Ameche's Drive-in
Ameche's Drive-in was a fast-food restaurant chain based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded by Heisman Trophy winner and Baltimore Colts running back Alan Ameche. Ameche's had five locations. All were located in Baltimore or the Baltimore suburbs:
- Governor Ritchie Highway and 5th Avenue, Glen Burnie
- 5800 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore City
- Loch Raven Boulevard and Taylor Avenue
- 7700 Wise Avenue, Dundalk
- York Road and Timonium Road, Timonium
The restaurants were known for "no charge" carry out service, "Powerhouse" hamburgers ("A banquet on a bun") essentially a Big Mac (1968), about 8 years ahead of time, and "Cheerleader" sandwiches (hot ham and Swiss cheese with mustard) and the best Fried Onion Rings anywhere.
The Loch Raven and Taylor location was open during the Summer of 1960. The Powerhouse sandwich was the featured item. The restaurants were typical Drive-Ins, with Car side order boxes. Your order was delivered by a carhop who attached a tray to the lowered window.
(BTW, I worked across from the Loch Raven location during the summers of 1960 and 61.)
The company trademark was a Big Boy-like football player (#35) running through the uprights carrying a hamburger. The company slogan was "Meetcha at Ameche's!" Ameche's restaurants were informally known by many teenaged patrons as "UM-cheez."
See also
- Chicken George – a former fast food restaurant chain based in Baltimore, Maryland
- Gino's Hamburgers – A local Baltimore establishment co-founded by Alan Ameche with Gino Marchetti.
- List of fast food restaurants
- List of defunct fast-food restaurant chains