Carl’s Drive-In, the Brentwood, Missouri-based burger joint that has been around since 1959, is all set to boost its customer base into overdrive thanks to its upcoming restaurant site in O’Fallon, Mo., which will also offer entertainment elements. Set to open by mid- to late 2023 after receiving approval from the O’Fallon City Council in November, the $15M Carl’s Drive-in family fun center project will take over a vacant 2.5-acre lot space in St. Charles County, located about 18 miles east of St. Louis and west of the interstate 64 highway.
The restaurant owner, who purchased the Carl’s Drive-In franchise in 2021, is partnering with SkyView Partners, a company that constructs amusement parks, in order to install such rides as a multilevel go-kart track (to be called Winghaven Speedway), a swing carousel, a 50-foot-high sky tower ride and a 40-ft. high slide. The upcoming single-story restaurant will feature a rooftop patio, and the owner will provide additional parking spaces on the street for a total of 102 parking spaces. The restaurant expects to still retain its old-fashioned charm, offering such menu items as foot-long hot dogs, chili-topped tamales, griddle smashed burgers and homemade draft root beer.
The project is being built in a region that has a dearth of entertainment options for its residents, with the exception of a Regal O’Fallon movie theater that is walking distance to the site. The neighborhood, however, is currently in the midst of a population growth. For example, there is a new master planned community developed by Fischer Homes in the vicinity, called Streets of Caledonia, which will consist of single-family homes and townhomes.
The site is situated on a lot that is across from both a Barron Swim School and a “Missouri Rush Youth Soccer Complex,” the latter which accommodates the world’s largest international organized youth soccer club via its recreational and competitive teams. The soccer venue hosts numerous tournaments throughout the year that bring in large crowds, many of whom are expected to be ideal customers for the Carl’s Drive-In/entertainment concept.
