Did You Know First Drive-Thru In United States Is In Illinois?

The very first drive-thru restaurant in the United States is located in Illinois.

Drive-Thru Restaurants Make Life Easier

I think we all take drive-thru restaurants for granted. Nowadays, there are so many available to use that we do not even think about it anymore. It has just become a habit. When is the last time you went into a place that offered one? It has been a long time for me, personally.

What A Great Idea, Where Did It Start

Did you ever wonder where did the concept of a drive-thru restaurant come from? It might be closer than you think. This groundbreaking business is Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield, Illinois.

According to Maid-Rite Facebook page...

"It is the very first Drive through in the nation and is a national historical landmark that has been a Springfield tradition since 1920!!"

History And Details About Maid-Rite, America's First Drive-Thru Restaurant

• 100 years old

• Built 1920 (with drive-thru)

• Franchises 1926

• Food items have remained the same for their entire history (of course, prices have gone up through the years)

• Open Monday - Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM

• 118 N Pasfield Street in Springfield

• More info, HERE

• Menu includes
  • Maid-Rite sandwiches
  • Homemade root beer
  • Root beer float
  • Soda
  • Milk
  • Shakes

Check out the menu...

What Is A Maid-Rite Sandwich

According to maid-rite.com,

"Our select line of seasoned loose meat sandwiches are made from 100% USDA Midwestern fresh ground beef served on a fresh steamed white or wheat bun, with your choice of ketchup, mustard, onion, and pickles."

How Was It Named?

"The story goes that in 1926, a delivery man tasted the ground beef sandwich that Fred Angell was serving and declared that it was "made right."

Great idea for a fun food road trip.

Video: Oldest Fast Food Drive-Thru in the USA