Crusin' Across America... Chuck-A-Burger St. Louis

It's a hot summer night in Missouri and the motorheads are out in force, enjoying what's become one of the greatest of automotive traditions - the all-American cruise-in.  Those who want a real blast from the past nose their Hot Rods, Camaros, Mopars and Corvettes down to Chuck-A-Burger, a St. Louis icon for 50 years.

Very little has changed here over the past half-century: it's a drive-in joint straight out of American Graffiti.  Chuck-A-Burger is still the place to take your ride and your best girl to see and be seen.  You can order up a burger, shake and fries (the menu hasn't changed much in 50 years either) and have it served at your window by a "curb-gal" in a poodle skirt.

"They bring back nostalgia," says faithful customer Frank Luigi.  "For those of us who are empty nesters and gearheads, we can now afford these toys, and Chuck-A-Burger's a great place to go and show off your car."

Since 1957, the Stille family has been in the Chuck-A-Burger business.  The original owner, Bud Taylor asked Ralph Stille for some temporary help managing the drive-in at 9025 St. Charles Rock Road: years later, he became the owner.  Son Ron now runs the business.  He drives a '57 Chevy to commemorate the restaurant's first year.

Mama Stille makes all the poodle skirts for the curb girls, one of whom is her granddaughter, Amanda.

Back in the '50s and '60s, business was booming with eight restaurants in St. Louis.  The advent of the fast food franchise hurt the business in the '70s, and they were still down to one restaurant.

In 1982, Chuck-A-Burger found its niche with Cruise Nights.  The idea caught like wildfire, and the Stilles haven't looked back  In fact, business is so good that a second Chuck-A-Burger will open this summer.

If you're going to be in the St. Louis area, Chuck-A-Burger would be a perfect place to stop for a bite.  Check out the  website at www.chuckaburger.com, or call 636-916-1957.