History

• Purchased in 1947 by Bill and Fran Carlson, the land
that is now home to Carlson's Drive-In was originally a tented roller rink with a small refreshment stand that served hot dogs and cold drinks.

• In 1955, after years of sweltering heat and freezing winters, the Carlsons decided to tear down the rink and build what is now the root beer stand. Adding considerably to their menu, Carlson's Drive-In was born.

• For the next 22 years, Carlson's Drive-In thrived. Bill and Fran ran the
drive-in with the traditional carhop service.

• For more than 30 years the Carlsons bought from the same butcher,
Marty Rebac, and when they decided to sell the stand, Rebac was thrilled
to take over.

• Rebac owned and operated Carlson's Drive-In until 2001, when it was
bought by the present owners, John and Lori Hermann. And although retired, Marty Rebac continues to work at the drive-in, arriving everyday to help make the root beer, warm up the fryers and get the place ready for the day.

• In keeping with tradition, owner John Hermann maintains the three basic principles that the Carlsons originally instilled: exceptional customer service, great food at a fair price and a nostalgic, traditional environment.