Shoney's Big Boy Drive In - Eastwood
This Shoney's opened in 1963, and was a much-beloved date-night 'hang out' in the '60s and '70s.  By the '70s, Shoney's had moved its emphasis away from curb service in favor of being a regular sit-down "family restaurant."

Shoney's broke away from the Big Boy chain around 1985, evidently to expand into areas served by other Big Boy restaurants.  Were they successful?  Let's just say that most nostalgia about Shoney's centers on their old drive-ins and carhops, and on the Big Boy franchise; all which the company discarded long ago.
 

1966
2005

1966
2005

I love this close-up shot of the entrance at left, showing part of the car stalls and backlit menu boards.  Sonic makes an honest attempt at recreating that whole feel, but there was nothing like the original item!

The picture at right is enough to break your heart.  The mounting scars from the old "Coffee Shop" sign are still visible today.
 

Here's the base of the original neon Shoney's sign ... the stone look matches the facade of the restaurant's original entrance!

You think I'd leave this out??????

1966 photos courtesy of Alvin Hudson and Dixie Neon Company
2005 photos by Russell Wells
 


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10/01/2005 -- 1126 PM EDT