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Mel's Drive-In

Mel's Drive-In is an American restaurant chain specializing in classic diner fare, founded in 1947 by Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs in San Francisco, California, where it pioneered drive-in service with carhop waitstaff delivering meals to customers' vehicles.^[1]^[2] The chain, evoking mid-20th-century Americana through its neon signage, chrome-trimmed architecture, and menu staples like hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes, expanded to multiple Bay Area locations before facing decline in the 1970s amid shifting dining trends.^[1] It achieved enduring cultural prominence after serving as a central setting in George Lucas's 1973 film American Graffiti, which romanticized its 1950s-era vibe and propelled the brand's revival in the 1980s under family successors.^[3] Today, Mel's operates nine locations across California—including four in San Francisco and others in the Los Angeles area—plus a recent outpost in Nashville, Tennessee, maintaining its focus on nostalgic, all-day breakfast and casual dining while adapting to modern operations without traditional carhops at all sites.^[4]^[5] The brand's resilience stems from its emphasis on quality ingredients and consistent service, distinguishing it from fleeting fast-food competitors despite economic pressures that shuttered the original iteration.^[6]

Founding and Early Development

Origins and Establishment (1947)

In 1947, David "Mel" Weiss and Harold Dobbs founded the first Mel's Drive-In restaurant at 140 South Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, California, drawing inspiration from [Los Angeles](/page/Los Angeles) car hop establishments.^[2]^[1] This pioneering drive-in featured space for 110 cars, carhop service tailored to California's favorable weather, and a diner-style interior with booth seating, a counter, and high-capacity cooking equipment.^[1]^[7] The establishment capitalized on post-World War II automotive culture, offering convenient curbside dining that quickly proved successful, recouping initial startup costs within the first month of operation.^[1]^[8] By introducing this model to San Francisco, Weiss and Dobbs set the foundation for a chain that emphasized speed, quality, and nostalgic Americana appeal.^[1]

Expansion and Peak Operations (1950s–1960s)

Following the establishment of the initial location in 1947, Mel's Drive-In expanded into a regional chain by the mid-1950s, capitalizing on the postwar surge in automobile ownership and drive-in dining popularity in Northern California. Founders Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs opened additional outlets in key Bay Area cities including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, with further sites in Stockton and Sacramento, transforming the single restaurant into a franchise model that emphasized high-volume service and eye-catching neon signage to attract motorists.^[8]^[1] By 1972, the chain had grown to 11 locations across the region, reflecting sustained demand amid the era's car culture boom.^[8] At its operational peak during the 1950s and early 1960s, Mel's generated approximately $4 million in annual revenue by 1954, underscoring its efficiency in serving large crowds with a pre-fast-food menu focused on hamburgers, fries, shakes, and other diner staples prepared on high-capacity grills. Weiss reported daily production of 15,000 to 20,000 hamburgers across locations, supported by a service style that combined curbside carhop delivery—where uniformed servers brought orders on trays to customers' vehicles—with indoor counter and booth seating for walk-ins.^[1] This hybrid model catered to late-night and all-hours patronage, fostering a vibrant atmosphere illuminated by bold neon signs and jukeboxes playing contemporary music, which positioned Mel's as a social hub for teenagers and families alike.^[1]^[8] Carhop service, a hallmark of the chain's peak years, was phased out in the early 1960s as operational costs rose and indoor dining preferences shifted, though the drive-in format remained central to its identity.^[9] The chain's success stemmed from rigorous quality controls, such as fresh-ground beef and house-made buns, which differentiated it from emerging competitors and sustained customer loyalty through the decade. Operations emphasized speed and volume without sacrificing the personalized touch of carhop interactions, contributing to Mel's status as an emblem of mid-century American roadside dining before broader industry changes eroded its dominance.^[1]^[10]

Decline of the Original Chain

Factors Leading to Closure (1960s–1970s)

The original Mel's Drive-In chain, which had expanded to over 35 locations by the peak of the 1960s, began experiencing declining revenues amid intensifying competition from emerging fast-food chains such as McDonald's, which by 1970 operated over 1,000 outlets emphasizing speed, low prices, and drive-through convenience over carhop service.^[1]^[2] This shift eroded the drive-in model's advantages, as consumers increasingly favored quicker, less labor-intensive dining options that aligned with accelerating suburban car culture and time constraints.^[5] By the early 1970s, changing tastes and operational inefficiencies— including the high costs of maintaining carhop staffing and spacious lots—further pressured profitability, prompting founders Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs to sell the franchise in 1972 to the Foster's restaurant group.^[1]^[2] Foster's subsequent bankruptcy in the mid-1970s, amid broader economic challenges and its own mismanagement of acquired properties, accelerated the chain's collapse, leading to the closure of remaining outlets by the late 1970s.^[8]^[11] The iconic South Van Ness Avenue location in San Francisco, featured in the 1973 film American Graffiti, continued operating briefly post-filming but was demolished in 1976 after ownership changes failed to stem losses.^[12]

Revival and Modern Iterations

Next Generation Reopening (1980s)

In 1985, Steven Weiss, son of the original founder Mel Weiss, partnered with businessman Donald Wagstaff to revive the Mel's Drive-In chain, which had ceased operations in the 1970s due to economic pressures and shifting dining trends.^[1] The first new location opened at 2165 Lombard Street in San Francisco, deliberately recreating the retro aesthetic of the 1940s and 1950s originals, including neon signage, chrome accents, and booth seating to evoke post-World War II Americana.^[8] To build initial publicity, the partners contacted San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, whose endorsement helped draw crowds nostalgic for the chain's heyday and its portrayal in the 1973 film American Graffiti.^[1] The reopening emphasized fidelity to the founding menu—burgers, fries, milkshakes, and breakfast items served in a casual, family-friendly environment—while adapting to contemporary regulations that limited traditional carhop service at urban sites.^[1] By the late 1980s, the venture expanded modestly within the San Francisco Bay Area, capitalizing on regional demand for diner-style eateries amid a broader cultural resurgence of 1950s nostalgia.^[8] This next-generation iteration operated as a distinct entity from the defunct original chain, focusing on sustainable operations rather than the high-volume, multi-state model of the postwar era.^[1]

Family Dispute and Branching Chains (1990s–Present)

In the late 1980s, tensions within the Weiss family culminated in a rift between founder Mel Weiss and his son Steven Weiss, who had revived the Mel's Drive-In brand in 1985 without involving his father. Steven Weiss, partnering with Donald Wagstaff, reopened the first next-generation location at 2165 Lombard Street in San Francisco, focusing on the original drive-in concept with carhop service and 1950s aesthetics. Excluded from this effort, Mel Weiss independently launched the Original Mel's Diner chain, retaining family recipes and the nostalgic diner format but operating as a separate entity to compete directly in the Bay Area market.^[8] The dispute formalized the branching into two distinct chains, each claiming fidelity to the original Mel's legacy while pursuing independent expansions. Original Mel's emphasized East Bay and Northern California locations, such as those in San Leandro and Sacramento, alongside a site in Reno, Nevada, maintaining a menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes served in booth-style diners. By contrast, Steven Weiss's Mel's Drive-In prioritized San Francisco and Los Angeles outposts, including sites on Geary Boulevard and in Sherman Oaks, with some retaining limited carhop features. This split persisted without legal resolution publicly documented, though both chains avoided trademark conflicts by differentiating names.^[13] In 1994, Mel Weiss sold Original Mel's to investor Larry Spergel and a group of approximately 50 stockholders, transitioning the chain from family control to corporate ownership focused on franchising and regional growth. Under this new structure, Original Mel's expanded to over a dozen locations by the 2010s, primarily in Northern California cities like Vacaville, Placerville, and Pinole, as well as Boomtown in Verdi, Nevada, emphasizing all-day breakfast and family dining without drive-in elements at most sites.^[14] Meanwhile, Mel's Drive-In remained under Steven Weiss's stewardship, later joined by his sons Colton and Chasen Weiss, preserving third-generation family involvement. As of 2025, the chain operates eight locations, including four in San Francisco (Lombard Street, Geary Boulevard, 4th & Mission, and Kitchen), three in Los Angeles (Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood), and its first expansion outside California at 152 2nd Avenue North in Nashville, Tennessee, opened in mid-2025 with adapted Southern menu items like hot chicken alongside classics. This location marks an effort to nationalize the brand while upholding the 1947 founding principles of accessible, nostalgic American fare.^[4]^[8]^[15]

Business Model and Operations

Mel's Drive-In offered a menu centered on classic American diner fare, including hamburgers such as the signature Melburger, french fries, milkshakes, fountain sodas, hot dogs, and breakfast options like eggs, pancakes, and hash browns.^[1] The offerings emphasized affordable, quick-preparation items suited to high-volume service, with desserts and beverage specials rounding out the selection.^[1] Service combined drive-in carhop delivery with indoor dining facilities. Carhops took orders from parked customers and served food on trays hooked to car windows, accommodating up to 110 vehicles at the original 1947 San Francisco location on South Van Ness Avenue.^[1] Indoor seating included booths and a counter for walk-in patrons, blending convenience with the era's car-centric culture.^[1] Key innovations included pioneering the full-service drive-in restaurant model in the United States, leveraging California's temperate climate for year-round carhop operations starting in 1947.^[1] This approach enabled efficient, scalable service that generated $4 million in annual revenue by the mid-1950s across expanding locations, setting a template for postwar fast-casual dining.^[1]

Current Locations and Expansion Efforts

As of October 2025, the primary Mel's Drive-In chain operates nine locations, with eight in California and one in Tennessee. In California, four restaurants are situated in San Francisco, including sites on Lombard Street and at 4th & Mission, while four others are in the Los Angeles area at Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Santa Monica.^[4]^[5] The chain also maintains a variant branded as Mel's Kitchen in San Francisco.^[4] In August 2025, Mel's Drive-In opened its first location outside California at 152 2nd Ave N in Nashville, Tennessee, occupying a 10,000-square-foot space formerly home to B.B. King's Blues Club.^[15]^[5] This 78-year-old brand's entry into Nashville represents initial steps toward national growth, with development plans formulated over several years.^[5] Further expansion is pursued through a franchising model, as indicated on the chain's official website, aiming to replicate its diner-style operations beyond its traditional West Coast base.^[16] Due to historical family disputes and the 1991 bankruptcy of Original Mels Inc., separate entities have occasionally operated under similar names, but the current chain under founder descendant Steven Weiss holds the core trademark and operational continuity.^[17]^[5] Licensed outlets, such as at Universal Studios Florida, exist independently but do not contribute to the core chain's owned locations.^[18]

Controversies and Criticisms

1963 Hiring Practices Protest

In October 1963, the Ad Hoc Committee to End Discrimination, comprising activists from the W.E.B. Du Bois Clubs, University of California, Berkeley students, San Francisco State College students, and the NAACP, along with the Direct Action Group led by Art Sheridan, launched protests against Mel's Drive-In for its discriminatory hiring practices.^[19]^[20] The chain, which had expanded to 13 locations by then, restricted African American employees to non-customer-facing roles such as cooks, dishwashers, and janitors, while excluding them from visible positions like carhops and waitstaff.^[20]^[19] Protests began with picketing at multiple Mel's locations in San Francisco and Berkeley starting in early October 1963, featuring signs reading "Where are the Negro waitresses?" and parodies like "Drive Out" instead of "Drive-In."^[20]^[19] These escalated into sit-ins, with a major action on November 3, 1963, at the Geary Boulevard outlet (3355 Geary at Beaumont Avenue), where demonstrators occupied booths and refused service until policy changes.^[21]^[19] Police arrests followed, totaling 64 on November 3 and 48 on November 4, contributing to over 100 arrests overall during the campaign.^[19] The protests targeted co-owner Harold Dobbs, Mel's partner and San Francisco's acting mayor at the time, whose political ambitions were disrupted amid the demonstrations; co-owner Mel Weiss also faced direct negotiations.^[21]^[19] Picketing paused briefly during the mayoral election but resumed, pressuring the chain through coordinated actions across Bay Area sites.^[20] On November 8, 1963, Mel's management reached an agreement with protesters, committing to nondiscriminatory hiring practices, establishment of a training school for African American employees, and immediate placement of Black workers in public-facing roles, including carhops and bartenders.^[19]^[20] This resolution marked the first major mass sit-in of the Bay Area civil rights movement, setting a precedent for subsequent local actions against employment discrimination.^[19]

Other Business Challenges and Responses

In 1991, Original Mels Inc., the operator of a revived chain with six locations in Northern California cities including Sacramento, Davis, Concord, Berkeley, Stockton, and Modesto, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in San Francisco federal court.^[17] The filing aimed to block control by the largest creditor, Newport Beach investor Howard Ulene, amid the company's negative net worth exceeding $1 million and delinquency on payments to him.^[17] Company president Mike Weiss asserted that the restaurants remained profitable with sufficient cash flow to reorganize and pay creditors, while Ulene's representatives contested claims of mismanagement and sought appointment of a court trustee.^[17] The chain has also encountered labor-related class-action lawsuits alleging wage and hour violations under California law. In Rainville v. Mel's Drive-In (Los Angeles Superior Court, Case No. BC385194, filed circa 2008), plaintiff Austin Rainville claimed the company failed to comply with wage payment requirements for non-exempt employees such as servers, cooks, and cashiers dating back to February 8, 2004.^[22] The suit represented affected California workers, resulting in over 400 claim forms by September 2012 (covering about 40% of relevant workweeks); a settlement received final court approval from Judge Elihu Berle on November 29, 2012, with claims administered by Simpluris, Inc.^[22] A separate class action, Mario Romero v. San Francisco C&C/Mel's Drive In, addressed similar employment claims against a Mel's operator, with a final fairness hearing held on June 14, 2023, following an exclusion deadline of April 28, 2023.^[23] These cases highlight ongoing compliance pressures in the restaurant sector, where settlements often resolve disputes without admission of liability, allowing continued operations.^[22]

Cultural and Economic Impact

Role in American Diner Culture

Mel's Drive-In, established in 1947 by Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs in San Francisco, exemplified the post-World War II fusion of diner cuisine with automobile-centric service, accommodating up to 110 cars at its inaugural location on South Van Ness Avenue and pioneering large-scale drive-in operations in the region.^[1] This model catered to the burgeoning car culture of the era, where families and teenagers gathered around chrome-trimmed buildings under neon signage for quick, affordable meals like hamburgers, french fries, and thick milkshakes delivered by carhops—often on roller skates—directly to vehicles.^[6] By emphasizing efficiency and accessibility, Mel's contributed to the diner's evolution from urban lunch counters into suburban social hubs, serving as many as 3,000 meals daily during the 1950s and 1960s at peak locations.^[24] The chain's interior design—featuring Formica tabletops, vinyl booths, and jukebox selectors—reinforced the diner's role as a casual, egalitarian space fostering community interactions amid the economic prosperity of mid-century America.^[2] Unlike emerging fast-food prototypes focused solely on speed, Mel's retained traditional diner elements such as counter stools for solo patrons and family seating for extended stays, blending nostalgia with the novelty of curbside delivery to sustain the 24-hour availability that defined diners as refuges for night-shift workers, road travelers, and youth cruising boulevards.^[1] This hybrid approach influenced subsequent eateries by demonstrating how drive-ins could scale diner hospitality without sacrificing the tactile, interpersonal service that distinguished them from impersonal assembly lines, thereby embedding Mel's in the cultural fabric of roadside Americana.^[6] In preserving this archetype through expansions and revivals, Mel's has sustained diner culture's emphasis on unpretentious, hearty fare amid shifting consumer trends, resisting the homogenization of national chains by maintaining architectural fidelity to Googie-style aesthetics and menu staples that evoke 1950s optimism.^[1] Locations continue to draw patrons seeking authentic experiences, underscoring the diner's enduring appeal as a counterpoint to contemporary fine dining or app-based delivery, where physical presence and immediate gratification once symbolized post-war mobility and leisure.^[2]

Appearances in Film and Media

Mel's Drive-In gained widespread cultural recognition through its prominent role in the 1973 film American Graffiti, directed by George Lucas. The original San Francisco location at 140 South Van Ness Avenue served as a key filming site, portraying a vibrant 1962-era teen hangout where characters congregate amid neon-lit signage, carhop service, and classic diner fare.^[1]^[2] This site, which originally accommodated up to 110 cars when opened in 1947, had been closed prior to production but was temporarily reopened in 1972 specifically for the movie's needs before its demolition in 1976.^[1]^[10] The film's depiction emphasized Mel's as a symbol of mid-20th-century American youth culture, with scenes showcasing cruising cars, jukebox tunes, and social interactions that captured the era's drive-in ethos.^[2] This exposure elevated the chain's profile, transforming it into an enduring emblem of nostalgic diner aesthetics, though the portrayed vitality contrasted with the location's operational decline by the early 1970s.^[1] Beyond American Graffiti, a Mel's Drive-In location appeared in the 2011 film The Muppets, where the exterior and sign of the Hollywood branch on North Highland Avenue featured in a scene with character Mary dining alone.^[25] The chain has also influenced media representations of retro diners, serving as visual inspiration for sets in television series like Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley, which drew on its 1950s-style ambiance without direct filming at Mel's sites.^[26]

Achievements and Enduring Legacy

Mel's Drive-In achieved pioneering status in the American restaurant industry by opening the first drive-in location in San Francisco on December 14, 1947, at 140 South Van Ness Avenue, designed to accommodate 110 cars and emphasizing carhop service.^[1] The chain expanded rapidly, reaching a peak of over 35 restaurants by the 1960s, establishing a model of 24-hour operations, fresh-made menu items, and nostalgic 1950s aesthetics that influenced subsequent diner formats.^[2] This growth underscored its commercial success, with the brand maintaining core locations through multiple ownership changes following a 1972 sale.^[1] A pivotal achievement came from its prominent role in the 1973 film American Graffiti, directed by George Lucas, which propelled Mel's to national icon status and revived interest in classic drive-in dining, leading to renewed expansions and franchise opportunities.^[3] In recognition of its historical significance, the Santa Monica location, situated at the western terminus of Route 66, received a Historic Preservation Award from the Santa Monica Conservancy in 2019 for restoring and preserving mid-century diner architecture.^[27] The chain marked its 75th anniversary in 2022 with promotions offering 75% discounts on signature items like Melburgers and milkshakes across its California and Nevada outlets, highlighting sustained operational resilience.^[28] The enduring legacy of Mel's Drive-In lies in its embodiment of post-World War II American car culture and roadside eateries, serving as a cultural touchstone for nostalgia and simplicity in fast-casual dining amid modern franchise dominance.^[6] Despite branching into separate chains after family disputes, the brand persists with multiple active sites, including recent expansions like the 2025 opening in Nashville, Tennessee, preserving traditions such as booth seating, jukebox ambiance, and all-day breakfast while adapting to contemporary demands.^[16] This longevity—spanning 78 years as of 2025—affirms its role in sustaining diner heritage against shifting culinary trends, evidenced by ongoing media appearances and merchandise sales that capitalize on its cinematic fame.^[29]

References

[1]
History - Mel's Drive-in
In 1947, Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs opened the first drive-in restaurant, Mel's, in San Francisco, pioneering the concept in America.
[2]
Our Story | The Original Mels Diners
As a pioneer in the restaurant industry, The Original Mels began its history as Mels Drive-Ins in San Francisco back in 1947. David “Mel” Weiss and Harold ...
[3]
Franchise - Mel's Drive-in
Established in 1947, Mel's Drive-In - a fixture of American contemporary life - gained iconic American brand status after being featured in the 1973 comedy- ...Missing: chain | Show results with:chain<|separator|>
[4]
Locations - Mel's Drive-in
Mel's West Hollywood · Mel's Sherman Oaks · Mel's Santa Monica · Mel's Nashville · Mel's Lombard Street · Mel's Kitchen · Mel's Hollywood · Mel's 4th & Mission.Mel's West Hollywood · Mel's Hollywood · Mel's Santa Monica · Mel's Kitchen
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After 78 years, classic San Francisco diner goes national - SFGATE
Sep 9, 2025 · Today, there are four Mel's Drive-In locations in San Francisco and four others in Sherman Oaks, Hollywood, West Hollywood and Santa Monica.
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75 Years In, Mels Drive-In Still Plays the Diner Hits - Eater LA
Dec 12, 2022 · Since opening in the Valley in 1988, the Weiss family has gone on to save other Googie landmark spaces, including a former Ben Frank's coffee ...
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Mel's Drive-In - Restaurant Reviews - Yelp
Rating 3.4 (2,882) · $$Established in 1947. In 1947, Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs opened the first drive-in restaurant in San Francisco, Mels drive-in. At the time, the drive-in ...
[8]
San Francisco-based diner Mel's Drive-In celebrates 75 years with ...
Dec 14, 2022 · When Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs first opened Mel's Drive-In in San Francisco in 1947, everyone told them that the restaurant would never work.
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Carhops: 1950s nostalgia is the latest US food trend - CNN
Aug 6, 2020 · Mel's Drive-In: The iconic California restaurant brought back its storied carhop service this spring after retiring it in the early 1960s.
[10]
Mels: The True Story Of The World's Most Famous Drive-In (Part 1)
Jul 23, 2013 · The original Mels Drive-In was at 140 South Van Ness Avenue near Mission Street. An ideal location, it consisted of ample grounds, attractively landscaped with ...
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Mel's Drive-In: The Famous Diner That's Bringing Back the Carhop
Despite the movie's success, the carhop had become outdated and business suffered. Mel's filed for bankruptcy after filming wrapped and closed a few years later ...
[12]
MELS' DRIVE-IN: THE TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD'S MOST ...
Aug 15, 2012 · Mels drive-in was a place of controversy as it became the location for the first mass sit-in of the San Francisco Bay Area civil rights movement.
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Steppin' Out – Mels (The Original) - Doug Steps Out
Nov 18, 2013 · A number of years later a family rift caused he and his son, Steven, to part ways and split the restaurants. His son now owns six Mels in San ...
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Locations | The Original Mels Diners
Your location. Search radius. 10 mi, 25 mi, 50 mi, 100 mi, 200 mi. Results. 25, 50, 75. Curbside; Delivery; Indoor Dining; Limited Indoor Dining
[15]
Mel's Drive-In set to open in Nashville this summer - Fox 17 News
Aug 2, 2025 · The Weisses say Nashville's Mel's will stay true to the brand's vintage soul, but with a “Tennessee twist," blending rock-and-roll nostalgia ...<|separator|>
[16]
Mel's Drive-in - America's Most Iconic Diner | Southern California ...
Menu · locations · HISTORY · Merch; learn more. FILMING & EVENTS · Loyalty Rewards · Buy Gift Cards · Careers · Order Now · Franchise. History Image.
[17]
Chain of 1950s Diners Files for Chapter 11 : Bankruptcy
May 14, 1991 · Mike Weiss, president of Original Mels Inc. in San Rafael, said the chain of six 1950s-style diners filed for Chapter 11 on Friday in San ...
[18]
Mel's Drive-In™ Restaurant | Universal Studios Florida™
Mel's Drive-In. Location. Hollywood in Universal Studios Florida · Explore Interactive Map. Park Hours. Open Today | 8 am-5 pm. All Park Hours. Dining Type.
[19]
Mel’s Drive-In Protest 1963 - FoundSF
### Summary of the 1963 Mel’s Drive-In Protest
[20]
Protest against Discrimination at Mel's Drive-In, 1963 - Clio
Apr 2, 2017 · In October 1963, the informal discrimination against African American workers and customers led to pickets and sit-ins against the restaurant and its owners.Missing: family dispute 1990s chains
[21]
Outside Lands Podcast Episode 387: Mel's Drive-In: The Sit In
Jul 11, 2020 · Mel's Drive-In, Nov 3, 1963. 3355 Geary at Beaumont, Sit-in civil rights protest about acting Mayor and Mel's partner Harold Dobbs hiring ...
[22]
Rainville v. Mel's Drive-in - Law Offices of Thomas W. Falvey
Nov 29, 2012 · A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed by former employee Austin Rainville(“Plaintiff”) against Mel's Drive-in on behalf of non-exempt ...Missing: challenges issues
[23]
Mario Romero v. San Francisco C&C/Mel's Drive In
PSA is value driven on all size cases. Large or small, your case receives expert management, secure data custody, neutral communication and a dedicated team.Missing: business challenges financial issues
[24]
Mel's Drive-In in San Francisco: Memories and Experiences
Mar 24, 2025 · Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs opened the first drive-in restaurant in 1947 at 140 South Van Ness Avenue and had space for 110 cars. Mel's generated ...Mel's drive-in restaurant was opened in 1947 by Mel Weiss and ...History of Mel's Drive-In in San Francisco - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.com
[25]
Mel's Drive-In - Hollywood | Discover Los Angeles
Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfus, Harrison Ford and a cast of other young hopefuls made this 50s-style diner famous in the 1973 classic film “American Graffiti.”Missing: appearances | Show results with:appearances
[26]
The Classic California Chain That Inspired Two Iconic TV Show ...
Aug 14, 2025 · The California-based chain Mel's Drive-In was the basis for some of your favorite vintage TV sets, namely the diners on both "Happy Days" ...Missing: dispute 1990s<|separator|>
[27]
Mel's Drive-In - Santa Monica Conservancy
Steven Weiss, the owner of multiple Mel's locations around California, was the inspiration behind bringing back the Googie-style building. With his success in ...Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
[28]
Mel's Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary - Route 66 News
Dec 18, 2022 · On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, pancakes, milkshakes, coffee and ...
[29]
Mel's Drive-In - Hollywood | Los Angeles CA - Facebook
77 incredible years since Mel Weiss opened the very first Mel's Drive-In at 140 South Van Ness in San Francisco.