The very first drive-thru restaurant in the United States is located in Illinois.

Drive-Thru Restaurants Make Life Easier

I think we all take drive-thru restaurants for granted. Nowadays, there are so many available to use that we do not even think about it anymore. It has just become a habit. When is the last time you went into a place that offered one? It has been a long time for me, personally.

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What A Great Idea, Where Did It Start

Did you ever wonder where did the concept of a drive-thru restaurant come from? It might be closer than you think. This groundbreaking business is Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield, Illinois.

According to Maid-Rite Facebook page...

"It is the very first Drive through in the nation and is a national historical landmark that has been a Springfield tradition since 1920!!"

History And Details About Maid-Rite, America's First Drive-Thru Restaurant

  • 100 years old
  • Built 1920 (with drive-thru)
  • Franchises 1926
  • Food items have remained the same for their entire history (of course, prices have gone up through the years)
  • Open Monday - Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 3 PM
  • 118 N Pasfield Street in Springfield
  • Menu includes
    • Maid-Rite sandwiches
    • Homemade root beer
    • Root beer float
    • Soda
    • Milk
    • Shakes

Check out the menu...

What Is A Maid-Rite Sandwich

According to maid-rite.com,

"Our select line of seasoned loose meat sandwiches are made from 100% USDA Midwestern fresh ground beef served on a fresh steamed white or wheat bun, with your choice of ketchup, mustard, onion, and pickles."

How Was It Named?

"The story goes that in 1926, a delivery man tasted the ground beef sandwich that Fred Angell was serving and declared that it was "made right."

Great idea for a fun food road trip.

Video: Oldest Fast Food Drive-Thru in the USA

More Illinois Food History

Every state has some food for which they're well-known. Welcome to Illinois, where we have several legendary foods. When you visit the Land of Lincoln, these are the state's most iconic foods you must try.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

LOOK: Here are copycat recipes from 20 of the most popular fast food restaurants in America

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