Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.
This chain has been a long-time favorite of mine. The food and root beer are amazing. The overall architecture and decor are first rate. Can't think of a drive-in restaurant that looks better. There are 15 or so locations scattered around the country. There are 2 still around in Michigan, one in Montague and one in Norton Shores. As of 2022, both stores are temporarily closed. I am not sure if this is permanent but I'm pretty sure it won't be.
I have decided to use this page to document the former Dog n' Suds around the state which later operated under different names. The ones I have photos on so far are Jonesville (Coney Hut), Lake City (Miss Molly's) and St. Louis. Molly's was closed the last time I was there.
Ron Gross of MichiganDriveIns.com has provided me with a complete list of the dozens of others. I have posted the list here and will work on it to get more photos. So far I found 15 street views of former locations.
St. Louis is long gone so it may have been a Dog n' Suds from start to finish. It was at 6453 N State Rd St Louis MI. I have a street view shown below of the former lot and a historical aerial from 1988. It seems to have gone up in the late 60's or early 70's but was gone from the aerial photos by the mid to late 90's. You can always spot a Dog n' Suds by the upturned wings on the canopy.
From Wikipedia
Dog n Suds is a midwestern United States chain of hot dog and root beer drive-in style eateries. The chain was started in 1953 and by the 1970s the franchise included over 650 restaurants across 38 states. In 2021, the brand continues to operate at approximately 15 locations and serves hamburgers, french fries and soft drinks.
The first Dog n Suds was opened in 1953 in Champaign, Illinois, by University of Illinois music teachers James Griggs and Don Hamacher. The second restaurant was opened after the owners were paid to build another by a wealthy patron and from there the owners decided to create a franchise. A training center was established in Champaign, named "Rover College" after the dog on the restaurant signage. At its peak in 1968, the chain had about 650 restaurants.
In the early 1970s Griggs sold his interest in the business and a few years later in 1974 the company was sold to Frostie Enterprises who owned the Frostie and Stewart's brands of root beer.
In 1991, the VanDames purchased the Dog n Suds trademark and identity rights. In 2001, they created a new company, TK&C's LLC, to administer licensing rights for the brand.