the a&w of poland,… ohio

About two thirds of the way back, we take shortcut back which dumps us out very near Kevin’s sister’s house.

Passing through Poland, Ohio we spot a vintage A&W on the road and despite the ten pounds of breakfast that’s still sitting in our stomachs, I insist we must stop.

There was an identical A&W near to where I grew up in the southern suburbs of St. Louis. This one in Poland was in near-mint condition – including the gas hearth in the middle of the dining area.

The proprietors are so hip to preservation – that they even had a framed collection of the original burger wrapper / bags. The memories that hit me when seeing them nearly knocked me off my stool… I suddenly was transported back to age 5 sitting in the back of my mom’s Opal Cadet anxiously awaiting my “baby burger”.

We all had a coney and a large frosty mug of root beer and I promised I wouldn’t blog obsess about the groovy 70’s package design.