World’s first ride-in restaurant opens in San Antonio at historical Pig Stand location
The “world’s first ride-in restaurant” opens Monday, April 12, 2010 just south of downtown San Antonio, at the location known as the “world’s first drive-in restaurant.”
Frank’s Hog Stand, at 801 South Presa, is a restaurant focusing on serving the motorcycle enthusiast some of their favorite classic American style burgers, fries and fod.
The new motorcycle-themed restaurant will serve classic burgers, fries and other food in a casual dining area and to patrons who arrive outside on motorized bikes.
Owner Frank Arevalo grew up in the restaurant’s local area, now known as South Town, bordering the King William historical neighborhood.
The Pig Stand building started as a new idea 89 years ago by offering curbside service from car hops, who brought the food on trays to patrons remaining in their automobiles. Pig Stands became very famous in the 1920′s and 30′s as it expanded across the country.
Pig Stands were also the first restaurants to have drive up windows. They invented Texas Toast and onion rings in the 1920′s and chicken fried steaks in the 1940′s.
A historical and unique giant pig building, that is thought to have provided shelter from bad weather or hot sun for the cop hops, remains on site.
This location was closed in 2007 and was one of the last few Pig Stands for the company that once had over 130 restaurants during and after the Great Depression.
The newly refurbished restaurant will remain open seven days a week.