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Indiana Eateries (page 1)

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Lemon Drop Drive-in
Anderson, IN
The Lemon Drop Drive-in opened in 1954 and was named after owner Mike Lemon. It is the oldest restaurant in Anderson. I don't know if it was ever a "true" drive-in with window service and/or car hops. Does anyone know? In 2017, the sign was restored by Finyl Vinyl Signs. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

former Chicken Coop [gone]
Elkhart, IN
The Chicken Coop chain was established in 1966. The company expanded to more than 50 locations in Southwest Michigan and Indiana. The original locations used the A-frame design like this one. The signs were built in the same shape. Sometime after 2005, this location became home to Daddy Dee's and then Oinker's BBQ. However, when this photo was taken in 2011, Oinker's appeared to be closed. In 2014, the Two Rivers Running Company opened in the building. By 2019, the building was vacant again. It was demolished by 2023. For more locations in Michigan, see this page.

Mr. Happy Burger
Elwood, IN
Mr. Happy Burger opened in 1964. The business was sold to Penguin Point in 2022 but continued using the Mr. Happy Burger name. Penguin Point closed this location in 2023 but it had reopened by 2025. There were two other Mr. Happy Burger locations in Logansport, IN, the first of which opened in 1961. Both locations are closed now. Those signs and buildings were different from this one. The stand also operated a mini golf next door but that is gone now. For more, see this website. [map]

Powers Hamburger Shop
Fort Wayne, IN

2009:
2025:
Powers Hamburger Shop was part of a hamburger chain which originated in Dearborn, MI in 1935. That location closed around 2000 and was demolished. This Fort Wayne location opened in 1940. There were two other locations in Fort Wayne built in 1947 and 1983 which are gone now. In 2024, the sign was restored with LED letters replacing the neon. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
Indianapolis, IN
The La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant was previously the Torch Lounge & Restaurant. I don't know if the column at the center of the dining room is meant to resemble a torch or if there was another restaurant here originally. The top part of the sign was gone by 2015. It is now known as the Los Cuates Mexican Restaurant. [map]

Mary Lou Donuts
Lafayette, IN
Mary Lou Donuts opened at this location in 1961. I assume they were the first tenant. [map]

Peru:
The Siding: 1, 2 [gone]

The Skillet
South Bend, IN
The Skillet opened in 1960 as the McKinley House. It was renamed the Skillet in 1963 and this sign is from then. The gaps in the bulb arrow originally read "Restaurant" and "Carry Out Service." For more, see this website. [map]

Indiana
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