The Story
In 1956, a man named Chet parked a white bus painted with polka dots by Route 66, put a kitchen inside, and served food from the windows. As profits allowed, he built a small building with walk-up windows, then added a dining room.
John and Cathy Dixon and Dan and Judy Chinski bought it in 1972, sold it in 1978, then bought it again in 1987, adding extensive '50s decor and neon from other defunct businesses. Life-sized fiberglass statues of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop, James Dean, Superman, and the Blues Brothers now adorn the exterior.
Surprise Facts
→ Started as an actual polka-dotted bus
→ The original Hamilton Beach mixer is still on display
→ Green River floats and chili-cheese fries are menu favorites since 1956
Visit Information
✓ Open to Visit
Address: 222 N Front St, Braidwood, IL 60408
Hours: Seasonal - March through October
Tip: Walk-up windows still in use, just like the 1950s