By Evan Steidtman, Staff Writer
One of Kenosha’s most unique aspects is the variety of old school drive-in restaurants. Over the years, there have been a few of these that have remained relatively untouched. Quite possibly the two most popular are Big Star and The Spot, both having opened in the mid 1900s.
The first to open was The Spot, which has remained locally owned and operated since its opening on 75th Street in 1945. Just nine years later, Roy and Marian Boehner opened Big Star in spring of 1954. There have been others of course, like Andy’s, which is being remodeled and reopened this year.
However, Big Star and The Spot remain the two superstars in our city. Even though it’s a debate that’s nearly synonymous with the city itself, the two establishments are really quite different. On the surface, they are both drive-in burger joints, but that’s about the last thing they have in common. Big Star is quality over quantity, with a smaller, but perfectly seasoned patty. The onions are grilled, and add perfectly to the equation. On the other hand, The Spot has a patty that spills over the edges of the bun that is then covered with traditional American cheese. Their onions are much closer to savory, with a sweet, caramelized texture that makes The Spot’s burger a tender, juicy ball of flavor.
In the past, there were a lot more drive-ins in Kenosha, such as A&W, which has since become Andy’s, there was Chat N’ Chew and the historic Fon Tan Blu. However, the two that always provided were none other than The Spot and Big Star. They are an integral part of Kenosha, and provide a unique alternative to the McDonald’s and Burger King’s of the world.
