History | Mels Drive-In

First Generation Mel's

In 1947, Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs opened the first drive-in restaurant, Mel's, in San Francisco, pioneering the concept in America due to California's favorable weather for carhop service. The original location on 140 South Van Ness Avenue had space for 110 cars and was featured in the film "American Graffiti."

The restaurant quickly gained popularity, covering its startup costs in the first month. With a diner-style interior, it had booth seating, a dining counter, and a high-capacity cooker. They expanded with additional locations in San Francisco, and Weiss's son Steven later opened a Next Generation Mel's at the original site.

By the mid-1950s, Mel's had become a chain, generating about $4 million annually and serving a diverse menu. It thrived through the 1950s and 60s with multiple locations across Northern California.

However, competition from fast-food chains led to a decline, and in 1972, Weiss and Dobbs sold the franchise to Foster's. The location became famous as "Burger City" in "American Graffiti." After Foster's bankruptcy and subsequent ownership changes, Mel's closed and was demolished in 1976.

1947

FIRST DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT IN SAN FRANCISCO. Mel Weiss And Harold Dobbs Opened The First Drive-In Restaurant In San Francisco, Mel's.. At the time, the drive-in restaurant concept was just beginning in America, and the agreeable weather of California was ideal or year-round carhop service.

1950-1960

THE 50'S & THE 60'S By 1954 the Mel's franchise was pulling in about $4 million annually.. Weiss estimated they were cooking up 15-20,000 hamburgers a day. Mel's became a fixture of contemporary life, with bright neon lighting, carhops, and a pre-fast-food menu.

1972

Weiss & Dobbs sell Mel's franchise. Mel's continued to reign without major competition for almost 10 years.. But the growing popularity of fast-food chains eventually triumphed over the carhop craze. By 1972 Weiss and Dobbs had sold the Mel's franchise to the Foster's chain. During this year, the location manager for "American Graffiti" picked Mel's as the location to represent the scripted drive-in called "Burger City." Sometime after filming, Foster filed for bankruptcy, and the restaurant was sold again. After a few more years in operation, Mel closed and was demolished in 1976.

1947

1950-1960

1972

1985

Steven Weiss and Donald Wagstaff reopened Mel's drive-in on Lombard St in San Francisco, reaching out to columnist Herb Caen to generate excitement. On opening day, patrons flooded in, bringing generations to experience Mels' nostalgia.

1989

In 1997, the iconic Sunset Strip location in West Hollywood was rescued from demolition. It's renowned for its 24/7 service and a favorite spot for breakfast, brunch, and more.

1997

In 1998, a third San Francisco location opened on Van Ness Avenue, thriving with music enthusiasts and moviegoers.

1998

In 2000, the Mission St location in San Francisco became a bustling hub for tourists and convention-goers.

2000

In 2001, Mel's set up shop in the Max Factor building in Hollywood, complete with a Celebrity Bar. It's a slice of Hollywood history and a popular dining spot.

2001

In 2001, Mel's set up shop in the Max Factor building in Hollywood, complete with a Celebrity Bar. It's a slice of Hollywood history and a popular dining spot.

Throughout all 8 locations, Mels preserves the spirit of the classic American diner with quality food, courteous service, and fair prices.