email: roadarch@outlook.com

Mr. Swiss (page 1)

(hit "refresh" to get the most recent version of this page; click on photos for larger images)

Mr. Swiss is another A-frame style restaurant with a box in front. This advertisement shows what these buildings looked like originally. The Mr. Swiss company was based in Oklahoma City, OK. The restaurants sold soft-serve ice cream, hamburgers and other sandwiches. The chain was started in 1964 by L.J. Doerfler. By 1968, there were nearly 200 stores in 38 states. It appears the chain dissolved in the 1970s. By the late 1970s, there were hardly any locations left. Although there are no operating locations now, there are still many surviving buildings. If you know of any that still exist which are not represented here, I'd love to hear from you.

This section is organized alphabetically by state. If you know of any buildings which still exist and are not represented here, I'd love to hear from you.

Alabama:
Florence

former Mr. Swiss
Texarkana, AR
This former Mr. Swiss has housed Reba's Embroidery since at least 2007. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
Santa Barbara, CA		 former Mr. Swiss
Redding, CA
This former Mr. Swiss in Santa Barbara was built in the late 1960s but it didn't last long. The building has been used by Bucks BBQ and Hamburger Habit. It housed Cliff's & Company Catering from 1983 until around 2011. The building was vacant when this photo was taken in 2012. By 2016, the building was housing the Mesa Verde restaurant. [map]

This former Mr. Swiss in Redding was built in 1969. The building has housed a Kaleidoscope Coffee since 2013. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
Glendora, CA		 former Mr. Swiss
Modesto, CA
The former Mr. Swiss in Glendora now houses the El Amigo Restaurant. [map]

The former Mr. Swiss in Modesto now houses Lee's Chinese Kitchen. In 2018, the building was remodeled. The A-frame at the back is now just a short-gabled box. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
Eureka, CA		 former Mr. Swiss
San Diego, CA
The former Mr. Swiss in Eureka housed the Chalet House of Omelettes from 1980-2020. In 2021, it was being remodeled for the Sip Cafe but that never happened. In 2023, it was announced that it would soon house The Tasty Hub. I believe the A-frame will be preserved. [map]

The former Mr. Swiss in San Diego has housed Bear Buns Bakery and Cafe since around 2012. Before that, the building housed a dog grooming store. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
West Covina, CA		 former Mr. Swiss
Santa Ana, CA
This Mr. Swiss in West Covina now houses a dentist's office. [map]

This Mr. Swiss in Santa Ana opened in 1968. The building has housed the Tori Nick Taqueria since around 2014. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
Gulfport, FL
2009: 2020:
The former Mr. Swiss housed Gulfport Smokin' Joe's in 2009. After that, there have been a series of other restaurants including George's Grill, Chick's Chicken Shack, Eater's Grill, and now Cori's Seafood Grill. The building has been painted turquoise. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
Kenneth City, FL
2009: 2020:
The former Mr. Swiss housed Best Import Auto Sales in 2009. By 2011, there was another used car dealership here. Since around 2019, the building has housed Mama G's German Bakery. While the sign panels have been replaced, the poles and sign frames are original. [map]

former Mr. Swiss
Tampa, FL
The former Mr. Swiss now houses Pisco Restaurant & Bar. The top of the A-frame is now barely visible. By 2014, the original sign pole and panel frames were gone. For more, see this website. [map]

More Florida:
Jacksonville
Jacksonville

former Mr. Swiss
Cedartown, GA
The former Mr. Swiss now houses Brian's Bargains. [map]

Mr. Swiss
Cumming, GA

2007:
2021:
This Mr. Swiss opened in 1971. The large, peaked roof in front of the A-frame was a later addition. This location had the last known original sign. Shortly before these photos were taken in 2007, the sign was damaged and there was only one upper panel left. Sometime in 2008, the other half was removed. The building still has the original exterior checked tile. In 2013, the restaurant closed after a fire. It reopened in 2015 but it closed soon after that. The building was still for sale in 2021 but temporarily housing a COVID-19 testing clinic. It remains vacant in 2023. For more, see this website. [map]

Mister Swiss
(page 2)		 Mister Swiss
(page 3)		 Mister Swiss
(page 4)		 Chip's Der
Wienerschnitzel		 Foxy's, Lodge Coffee Shops
& Hyatt Coffee Shoppes		 Golden Point Griff's
Burger Bar
International
House of Pancakes		 Village Inn
Pizza Parlor		 Whataburger Woody's
Smorgasburger		 More A-Frame
Chains

Eateries Main Page