Doggie Diner
If you were born and raised in San Francisco, you probably have fond memories of Doggie Diner with the signature smiling dachshund dressed in a bow tie and a chef’s hat. It was a small restaurant chain with branches in Oakland and San Francisco. The joint specialized in common fast food fare like hot dogs and hamburgers. Al Ross opened the first store in 1948, and it quickly spread in the area. The restaurant chain closed down in 1986, but we’ll never forget the mascot. Apparently, many of the fiberglass Doggie heads were sold, though one remains in public, and it has been turned into a landmark in San Francisco in 2006.
Doggie Diner
Ameche’s Drive-In
Ameche’s was a drive-in chain with five locations in operation back in the 60’s. Founded by NFL football star Alan Ameche, the football player mascot became a common sight in the Baltimore area. The joints were famous for the Powerhouse Burgers, sometimes described as “a banquet on a bun.” Rumor has it that it was how McDonald’s got the idea for a Big Mac, which made its debut on the menu eight year after the Powerhouse Burgers.
Ameche’s Drive-In