Dog n Suds is a midwestern United States chain of hot dog and root beer drive-in style eateries, featuring in-car carhop service. The chain was part of the widespread popularity of drive-ins during the 1950s and 1960s, and still operates several locations.
History
The first Dog n Suds was opened in 1953 in Champaign, Illinois, by University of Illinois music teachers James Griggs and Don Hamacher. The chain grew rapidly throughout the 1950s and 1960s, and a training center was established in Champaign, named "Rover College" after the dog on the restaurant signage. At its peak in 1968, the chain had about 650 restaurants. Griggs sold his interest in the business in the early 1970s. Later owners abandoned the franchise business and sold the rights to make Dog n Suds branded root beer to another company.
In 1991, Don and Carol VanDame, owners of a Dog n Suds in Lafayette, Indiana, purchased the Dog n Suds trademark and identity rights. In 2001, the VanDames created a new company, TK&C's LLC, to administer licensing rights for the brand.
Don Hamacher died on January 4, 2013.
Locations
As of March 2015, there are 14 Dog n Suds restaurants in the United States. The oldest location still operating is in Robinson, Illinois, opened in 1953 as the second Dog n Suds location.
References
External links
- Official website
