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Steak 'n Shake

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Steak 'n Shake was founded in 1934 in Normal, IL. It was immediately successful with its Steakburgers made from real steak and its Tru-Flavor shakes. Steak 'n Shakes offered "four way service": service at tables and counters inside, curb service, and takeout. The chain's motto "In Sight, it Must Be Right" referred to its highly visible food preparation.

In the late 1930s, Steak 'n Shake expanded to St. Louis, Indianapolis, northern Illinois, Daytona Beach, FL and Hot Springs, AR. By 1975, there were 130 locations. During the 1970s, car hops and curb service were replaced with drive-thru windows. There are now more than 400 locations in 19 states. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3.

Steak 'n Shake [gone]
Daytona Beach, FL

Steak 'n Shake
St. Louis, MO

2010:
2024:
This St. Louis location opened in the 1950s. I believe this was the oldest location left. Unlike the Springfield locations below, this sign has not been updated with the Steak 'n Shake logo. It still has the original car hop character although he appears to have been repainted. This location has been closed since 2019. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Steak 'n Shake
Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO
Steak 'n Shake
St. Louis St.
Springfield, MO
These Springfield locations were both built in 1962 and still have the original buildings and signs. The St. Louis St. location still offers curb service. For more, see this website. [Glenstone map]; [St. Louis map]

More Steak 'n Shakes:
Winter Park, FL [gone]
Champaign, IL: 1, 2 [gone]
St. Louis, MO [gone]
Webster Groves, MO [gone]

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