Back in the day, McDonnell’s was a sizeable chain of restaurants with about a dozen eat-in places, and almost as many drive-ins. I’m not 100% sure which one this is. Rare color photos like this automatic make the opening jingle for “Happy Days” start playing in my head! Check out the McDonnell’s drive-in menu below (Hamburgers: 20 cents!) There is one menu item I’ve never heard of before: a drink called HEMO. Can anyone tell me what that is?
“Eat in Car” 1935 photograph by John Gutmann:
My mouth was watering-intriguing menu-who sees a hot dog with tomato, and lettuce?? And then, I saw, “..killed daily” and that sorta ruined it for me. Although, my mom used to wring the chicken’s neck, and her uncle would butcher it. That’s how they ate chicken back then. Are we ever homogenized!
There’s a photo by John Gutmann from 1935, titled “Eat in Car” after the legend on a sign in the photo. It was taken at McDonnell’s Barbecue, and the location is only given as “Hollywood.” Google can find it for you.
I love what you do online!
Thank you Gene! I hadn’t encountered that photo before – it’s a great one and I’ve added it to this page.
Did the drive-in at Beverly & Western later become a Tiny Naylor’s ?
Yes, Barry, I’m pretty sure it did.
My Dad, Robert W. Heck, managed both McDonnell’s Monterey and Wilshire during the late ’30’s up until about 1941. He had some interesting stories to tell, especially about the “arm service” the waitresses had to master and contend with the revolving kitchen door at the Wilshire location. He said the accidents were rare, but when they happened, the crash was loud!
P.S. I was guessing regarding the time period he worked there. After thinking about it, he may have been with them as early as 1930. I have several exterior and interior photos of the Monterey location that were taken by a well-known local photographer.
Ouch! I bet it was LOOOOOOUD!