Backlit Graphic Menu Sign

A&W Root Beer Drive-In

Car Hop Intercom Order Station Menu

This relic of the past is how you used to order from your car. Drive-in’s, typically had a double sided order station between where the cars would pull in and park. The post mounted menu and intercom order station was a phenomena unique to drive in restaurants in the 1940’s and 1950’s. It usually consisted of a backlit, translucent menu and a speaker phone intercom to place your order. You would look at this lit menu sign, and when you decided what you wanted, you would push the intercom button and place your order. When your order was ready, a car hop would bring it out to you, ask you to roll your window up just a few inches so she could snap on the tray with your food and drinks.

When you were through eating, you would flash you lights, and she would come and get your tray. This arrangement was popular at A&W ~ Big Boy ~ and all the mom & pop drive in operations. Some car hops wore roller skates to get your food out to you faster. This menu sign arrangement was characteristic of most Drive In Restaurants and Soda Fountains of the 1950's. It has graphics of the food and drinks on a translucent back, with the menu selections and prices listed. They usually had a light behind them so their graphics and fare would show up more distinctly. These remainders of the past were made obsolete by the fast food drive thru lanes.

This menu sign has classic A&W graphics across the top. A hamburger, Onion Rings, a Hot Dog and of course, a frosty mug of their famous Root Beer. It also has about 50 menu items, and 5 ways to order your A&W Root Beer, including by the gallon. It is 14 inches wide and 8 ¼ inches tall. It is translucent and was mounted in front of a lit holder / order station. This is the front lens only, and does not include the large stainless steel order station on a post. It frames nicely or is easily made into a thin backlit box that shows it off like it was originally.

No cracks, No bends, No warping. There is the expected minor age fade patina, but it is bright and attractive and otherwise in Perfect Condition. Not many of these survived intact. It makes a unique addition to the basement Soda fountain or bar. When made into a light box, it is the perfect ambient light for collectors and exhibitors. Unique Soda Fountain Drive In Historic Americana. We pack it securely and mail it to you First Class U.S. Postal.