The drive-thru just makes our lives so much easier. If we’re too tired to cook or to sit down to a meal in a restaurant, we just have to slide into line at our favorite drive-thru restaurant and order. A few minutes later, we’re on our way with a quick and tasty meal. Did you know the very first drive-thru in the world is said to have been Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri?

Billed as having the world’s first drive-thru window, Red’s Giant Hamburg in Springfield first opened its doors in 1947.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Tucked in a former gas station, the historic burger joint got its name from a simple error. Owner Sheldon “Red” and Julia Chaney ordered a sign that only fit the letters HAMBURG. Alas, the burger joint became known as Red’s Hamburg.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Known for its burgers and fries, served with an ice cold root beer, Red’s Hamburg was a popular neighborhood stop for decades. However, it shut its doors in December 1984, three years shy of its 50th anniversary.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

The once-bustling burger joint sat empty until it was demolished in 1997. Red passed away just weeks later; Julia died in 2006. That seemed to be the end of the story except… it wasn’t.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Red and Julia Chaney’s legacy of Red’s Hamburg would live on with the return of a recreated Red’s Giant Hamburg.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Co-owners David Campbell and Greg Iott oversaw the rebuilding of the restaurant, only the 21st-century version is bigger, so it can accommodate more diners.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Red’s Giant Hamburg, complete with the drive-thru window that helped make it famous, opened once again in August of 2019.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Today, you can dine in or take out and enjoy the same old-fashioned burgers and fries of yesteryear.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

A quick peek at the menu, in fact, is sure to get your stomach growling in anticipation. You have a few Redburgs from which to choose - single, double, triple, jumbo, or sooper. Or, go meatless with the vegan burger.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Even if you’re not in a burger frame of mind, you’ll find something tasty on the menu. How about a pork tenderloin or a chicken sandwich?

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

The menu also features hot dogs, chili dogs, chili fries, and chili cheese fries.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Hungry? Head over to the Facebook page of Red’s Giant Hamburg to learn more.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

Have you been to Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri? The old one or the new one? Or both? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of hiking and of history, check out these 11 Missouri hiking trails that lead to incredible pieces of history.

Facebook/Red’s Giant Hamburg

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Address: Red’s Giant Hamburg, 2301 W Sunshine St, Springfield, MO 65807, USA