Der Wienerschnitzel was founded in Wilmington, CA in 1961. The company claims to be the "world's largest hot dog chain". Now known simply as "Wienerschnitzel", they have over 340 restaurants in 10 states. In 1962, their distinctive building was introduced: a giant red-roofed A-frame pierced by a drive-thru window. There are hundreds if not thousands of these buildings left across the country - most of them housing other businesses. I'm only including a few examples here. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. For a thorough discussion of Der Wienerschnitzel and other A-frame style food chains from the early 1960s, see Chad Randl's book A-frame.

Der Wienerschnitzel Salt Lake City, UT

This Salt Lake City Wienerschnitzel retains its original A-frame building. Somewhere along the line, Wienerschnitzel painted the red roofs yellow.

former Der Wienerschnitzel Las Vegas, NV

In 2006, this Las Vegas Der Wienerschnitzel was vacant. It had been "Straight from Philly Steakout", part of a steak sandwich chain. In 2007, the building was repainted and became the Llantera, a Mexican take-out restaurant. This business was short-lived and the building became vacant again.

former Der Wienerschnitzel Hampton, VA

This former Hampton Der Wienerschnitzel now houses The Dog House.

former Gibson's/Lendy's (gone) Richmond, VA	former Gibson's/Lendy's now Moon Garden restaurant Richmond, VA

former Gibson's Roanoke, VA

These former Gibson's in Richmond are examples of how Lendy's remodeled/encased the buildings that they bought. Lendy's featured Kentucky Fried Chicken on their menu and and in their signage. [first photo thanks Twig Gravley] This Roanoke Gibson's is now concealed behind a check-cashing business. Since this photo was taken in 2005, the A-frame's peak has been removed. [photo thanks Robby Delius]

Kim's Restaurant Charleston, SC

Kim's Restaurant most likely started out as a Village Inn Pizza location. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

Nick's Gyros & Subs Tampa, FL	former Heap Big Beef Greensboro, NC	former Heap Big Beef Rumford, RI

Nick's Gyros & Subs occupies a former "Heap Big Beef" which was a late 1960s roast beef chain. For more, see this website. The Greensboro building is another re-worked example of the chain. Ghassan's restaurant has been here since 1975. This Rumford building appears to have been another Heap Big Beef.

former Heap Big Beef Youngstown, OH	former Heap Big Beef Millbrae, CA

This Youngstown Heap Big Beef now houses Joe Restaurant. This Millbrae Heap Big Beef has housed El Super Burrito since 1977.

former Heap Big Beef Westland, MI	former Heap Big Beef Temple Hills, MD

This Westland Heap Big Beef now houses Village Place Coney Island. This Temple Hills Heap Big Beef is now occupied by Jerry's Subs & Pizza.

former Heap Big Beef Grand Rapids, MI	former Heap Big Beef Oklahoma City, OK

This Grand Rapids Heap Big Beef now houses the Sunrise Restaurant. The front part of the building is an addition to the original building. The "a Meal or a Snack" sign is probably not original either. I have not seen any Heap Big Beef advertisements or vintage photos with that sign or one shaped like that on the building. This Oklahoma City Heap Big Beef was vacant when this photo was taken in 2011. Its previous tenant was the Sweet Tea restaurant. Before that, it was the Pho 2000 restaurant.

More Heap Big Beefs Tampa, FL Bloomington, IL Springfield, MO [gone]

A Bloom'n Florist Yuma, AZ	GD Burgers La Puente, CA

A Bloom'n Florist says there was a pizza shop here originally. However, it looks like a former coffee shop to me. The building's stone and glass front is quite similar to the Hyatt Coffee Shop (Fremont, CA) and the Nordic Fox (Downey, CA) which may have originally been Copper Penny restaurants. The GD Burgers building looks a lot like a Mister Swiss but I think the roof slopes too dramatically in back for that. Does anyone know anything about the history of this place?

More A-Frames (page 2)

Chip's

Golden Point

Griff's

Mister Swiss

Whataburger

Main Eateries Page

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