Late-90's photo of the main building (the drive-in is to the left)
The arrow points the way to great food
The famous burger nickname
1996 photo of David Herlocker
Above nine photos all courtesy of Karl Golden (Thanks, Karl!)
Rose Walls worked at Herlocker's for 29 years starting in 1977
1996 sample menu
Herlocker's Park Drive-In opened in 1960 on Hwy 29 near the UNCC campus. Owned by Lester and Loveine Herlocker, the drive-in originally only had four booths and a bar. Herlocker's was famous for their barbecue, but also became known for their burgers, hot dogs, home-cooked meals, and onion rings. Their burger was so popular it earned the famous nickname "A Meal On A Bun". Herlocker's would undergo two expansions, eventually having seating for 100 people. Along the way, the drive-in would be run by the Herlocker's sons- David, Lester, and Tony.
Herlocker's would close in August 2006. In October 2006, the building would be torn down and a Cook-Out fast food restaurant would open on the site.
When Herlocker's opened in 1960, their only neighbors in this desolate area were the University and the Charlotte Motor Speedway-both also just really getting started. Eventually, this area would become one of the fastest growing areas of the city. Despite the tremendous changes, Herlocker's was always a constant--offering great food at reasonable prices with personable service.
1962 ad
1967 ad
1969 ad
1969 ad
1974 ad
1976 ad
The students at the University of Charlotte really miss Herlokcer's. I wonder if there's a way to bring it back.
ReplyDeleteLooking for Lester and/or "Poison" if either happens to read this. Thanks for posting the pictures of the old place. Didn't learn about the demise until after it was already gone. :-(
ReplyDeleteI really miss this place, and was sad to see it gone. I was living out of the area at the time it closed, so did'nt get to say,"so long". My family ate there all the time when my dad came to teach at UNCC in the late 60's, and with some occasion after his death in '74, especially when I was a student there in the 80's/90's, and even up to 2005. Certainly a great loss to those of us who grew up in the university area.
ReplyDeleteLizzy (Betsy)
ReplyDeleteMy bestfriend at the time and I used to spend after school and weekend there eating Chicken club sandwichs and onion rings!!!!! Always a place to hang out and spend time with good people! Our prom pictures were on the wall and it was always good to walk in there and have them know you by name!!
That chicken club was the best for sure!
DeleteAs a student at UNCC from 74-78, Herlocker's was where we went when out of cash (no ATM machines at that time) because they were one of the few places that would take a check from a student.
ReplyDeleteLester, David and Tony, Certainly miss Herlocker's! I think you should re-build in Nashville, TN!!!!! I really miss picking up carry-outs on the way home ---- especially Flounder. There's None better.
ReplyDeleteLoved this place use to go there all the time when I was at UNCC. Only place you could go that had college students at one table and Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip beside them.
ReplyDeleteLoved this place, one of my great memories at UNCC and of Charlotte. Nothing fancy, just great food. Miss their hamburgers!! and fries and tea!!
ReplyDeleteI hate that there's a Cookout where it once stood. Makes me physically ill.
ReplyDelete