In the 1960s driving around Winter Park’s Steak ‘n Shake was a teenage ritual. After football games and on the weekends a long line of Wildcats drove in circles around the restaurant, vying for a prime parking spot.
As many teens drove through the
parking lot dozens of times, there was a never-ending circle of cars. Backing into a parking space was a necessary
and practiced skill, as impatient teenagers were quick to taunt a less- than-perfect display of driving abilities. Shaming was critical to the experience!
The food was great but being seen was the priority. Tasty Steakburgers and shakes were placed on metal trays delivered by car hops and clipped to your car
window.
Stealing might also be part of the evening, as teens competed to collect full sets of “diner-ware”, along with the trays they were delivered on.
On any Saturday night in the 1960s, all the angst, awkwardness, drama, and joy of our teenage years were on full display at the Steak ‘n Shake.
Linda Rector Kulmann
Class of 1967
WPHM Archivist
On a personal note, one Saturday
night I was at Steak ‘n Shake driving the “circle” with my friend Claire when her Dodge Dart died.
It wasn’t pretty. Thunderous applause and hooting emanated from the cars surrounding us, joined by the continuous blowing horns of the blocked cars behind us. To make matters worse, parents ultimately became involved with the car removal and honestly, I’ve been slightly damaged from the experience ever since.
By the way, you still have an opportunity to turn in that misbegotten Steak n’ Shake milk shake tumbler! The WPHM collects nostalgic Winter Park retail and restaurant items for our Collection. Share these mementos and your memories with us!
We are also looking for Winter Park High School yearbooks especially 1961,1962,1964, 1966, 1968,and 1969.
Thank you fellow Wildcats!
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