Slurping a milkshake, crunching on fresh fries and biting into a stacked burger at Short’s Drive-In builds a sense of satisfaction and togetherness! Short’s has been recognized with various awards. Even their car-hop service was voted “Best in Michigan” by mashed.com. Short’s Root Beer Drive-In is a family-owned gem in Michigan. Join us for our mid-century meal and then plan a trip to Coldwater for a bite into history!

We pulled into a spot. “Just turn on your blinker” to summon one of the fifteen energetic car-hops to your vehicle. A complete list of offerings will be brought to your car. Short’s menu has “way too many items to put on the menu board.” Within moments a young lady approached Chuck’s window and handed us a page full of selections.

I glanced over the menu, trying to decide: burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, malts, fries . . . “This is really cool for me!” I bounced excitedly. “Why?” Chuck asked. “We never went to a drive-in when I was a kid. I saw one on TV, ya know, ‘Happy Days.’ ” I nodded my head sideways. “I thought it would fun, but we were never allowed to eat in the car.” Chuck’s eyes widened as I continued. “We were only allowed to eat red licorice on long trips.” I raised my brow. “Seriously.” I confirmed.

“What are you going to order?” Chuck inquired as he glanced over the choices. Short’s extensive menu offerings includes burgers, hot dogs, specialty sandwiches, chicken wings, milk shakes and their famous root beer.

We each decided to go with a traditional burger and fries. Chuck turned on our blinker closest to the building and our waitress quickly appeared to take our order. When she left, Chuck turned to me. “Remember how glove boxes used to open flat and have cup holders?” he asked. I shrugged trying to recall the automobile convenience as I opened the latch on the dashboard. No luck. Cup holders are now conveniently housed in the center console.

Our order was brought out to us quickly. “Just leave a little bit of your window up, so I can attach the tray.” The server instructed. Childhood giddiness took hold as Chuck handed me my selections. Unwrapping the waxy paper filled the car with the aroma of greasy goodness! As I bit into the burger toppings slid down the side which I rescued with an undignified swipe of my tongue. Nobody gave me a sideways glance as we were securely in our car. FUN! I soaked in the moment as I swiped a napkin across my cheek soaking it with mustard and mayo. This smash burger was delicious!

The Drive-In’s History

First opened in 1960 by Lee and Dorothy Witmyer, the “B & K Root Beer” stand had been a Coldwater hot spot for two decades. It had started as a walk-up eatery until the Witmyers added the canopy, matching the look of the B & K Root Beer franchise restaurants, which included 238 across Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.

Berny and Bev Allen envisioned continuing the 1950’s era restaurant when they purchased the structure in 1980. Leaving the B & K franchise, “Allen’s Drive-In” made a name for itself and grew in popularity. By 1994 the family business was doing well when Greg and Laura Allen took the reins. The Coldwater community and visitors to the area enjoyed the mid-century flavors and atmosphere. The restaurant thrived. By 2012, after more than three decades, owners Greg and Laura Allen decided to sell their beloved business.

Coincidentally, Ted Short had been searching the area to buy a house for his recently-widowed mother, when he saw that Allen’s Drive-In was for sale. Now, Ted’s recently passed Dad had always carried the dream of owning a restaurant business. With a spark of “divine intervention,” shall we say, Ted Short and Greg Allen soon struck up a purchase agreement. It was 2013 when “Short’s Root Beer Drive-In” opened. This had been their patriarch’s dream. Now Ted and his family had a way to honor his Dad every single day.

The Short family’s dedication and energy bring such joy to the community as well as their staff. In fact, there’s a waiting list of high schoolers hoping to secure a job at Short’s Root Beer stand. Come check out their nod to the 50’s when the crew dress in poodle skirts at their “Car Show” on Mother’s Day weekend or during the 4th of July and in August for the U.S. 12 tour.

When Short’s Root Beer Drive-In was listed as “one of the most famous drive-ins from around the country,” Ted Short had said, “This was an honor.” Short told The Daily Reporter journalist, Don Reid, “It was really my Dad’s idea. We’ve always wanted to own a restaurant.”  

Ted, his wife, Amy and daughter Allison have continued honoring their patriarch by opening three other restaurants in Coldwater: “Short’s on the Water,” “Short’s Front Porch” and “The Lamplighter Cocktail and Burger Bar.” Chuck and I are looking forward to heading back to Coldwater soon to try more delicious offerings at each location.

Capri Drive-In Movie

Here’s a tidbit of FUN. After your car-hop meal at Short’s consider attending the Capri Drive-In Movie Theater. Located nearby at 119 W. Chicago Road, this establishment has recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Co-owner, Susan Magocs, has been organizing entertainment for over 40 years.

Ponderings

Chuck and I appreciate the dedication of small business owners and their staff! Thank you, Short’s Root Beer Drive-In and The Capri Drive-In Movie Theater!

Supporting family-owned businesses in small communities has been our intention and aim throughout our limited time walking this vista. Keep making memories as we all support each other!

 

Related Links:

Join us on our escapade along U.S. 12 in this Restless Viking video!
The Drier’s Butcher Shop in nearby Three Oaks is another family owned business. Here’s the article!

Resources:

The Daily Reporter – By Don Reid – June 2023 -Coldwater, Michigan –
Short’s Root Beer Stand Facebook Page
Winter Wonderland article
Short’s Business website
Awesome Michigan article