HOMETOWN STAPLE–KIRT’S DRIVE-IN

BY SABRINA LEE

The growth of a community will often change the types of businesses and architectural features within a community, but Kirt’s Drive-In has withstood time.

Asthe popularity of the automobile grew, the traditional diner evolved. The first carhops appeared in Texas in the early 1920s and they have become an icon of American culture. Most people associate them with the 1950’s, poodle skirts, rock ‘n roll music, hot rods, and the classic American hamburger.

This popular icon of American culture sits right here in our own community. For the last 60 years, as you enter North Ogden from Washington Blvd. Kirt’s Drive-In greets you. Opened in 1963, Pinky’s as it was originally called, was a second location. The first being in Ogden on 36th St. Both locations served classic hamburgers, fries and shakes. Orders were placed from a pink phone and brought out to your car in pink cups and dishes. And on ice cream treats, a little plastic animal was placed on top. Over the years, the name has changed, but the menu has relatively stayed the same. It was Warrens Drive-In from 1970 to 1973. In late 1973 the name was changed to Kirt’s Drive-In, and although the business has seen changes of ownership over the last 60 years, the name has remained the same.

In 1998, neon lights were added to the building for the filming of Drive Me Crazy. The late 90’s/early 2000’s showed some love to this hometown icon. It can also be seen in the television series Promised Land and Everwood. The growth of a community will often change the types of businesses and architectural features within a community, but Kirt’s Drive-In has withstood time, and we hope to see it here for many more years to come!