Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then & Now Collection."
STEVE HARMON
Hutch Post Contributor
Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southeast corner of East Avenue A and South Poplar.
Right after World War II, drive-in restaurants started becoming popular. In 1948, Melvin Robinson and his nephew, Larry Burgess, partnered to build a drive-in at 201 E. Ave. A.
They decided to call it "R-B Drive In." The first photo shows it under construction in 1948.
Melvin bowed out quickly and, by 1949, Larry was sole proprietor. The drive-in became famous for its pork tenders, onion rings and cherry limeades. The second photo shows the drive-in in 1958, it had gone from an open-air-type structure to enclosed glass so it could stay open for more than just the warmer months.
In 1984, Larry decided to retire and sold the drive-in to his daughter, Pam, and her husband, Charlie Wheeler. After 22 years of serving hamburgers and fries, the Wheelers retired in 2016, selling it to Kirk and Julia Johnson. The third photo shows the R-B Drive In in 2017, right after a sprucing-up by the new owners.
The fourth photo shows the R-B Drive In at 201 E. Ave. A today, still owned by Kirk and Julia Johnson, with the ultimate goal of "Don't change a thing."
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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