The venerable Donut Drive-In shop in St. Louis, which is close to the Route 66 landmark Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, soon will open a second location in nearby Brentwood, Missouri, also on Route 66.
According to St. Louis Magazine, the Donut Drive-up with be at the former To Go Sushi space at 8950 Manchester Road (aka Route 66).
Kevin McKernan, owner of the Donut Drive-In since 2020, gave more details about the new digs:
McKernan promises the same Donut Drive-In treats that customers have come to love, though space constraints will limit how many items will be available at the Donut Drive-Up. McKernan and his team are still working out the exact menu, but plans are to offer the greatest hits, including the famous apple fritter, doughnut holes, long johns, cinnamon twists, and blueberry doughnuts. Singles will be available, as well as random-assortment dozens. Guests will be able to simply drive up and order what’s available or preorder online.
Donut Drive-Up will start with basic coffee offerings, though McKernan hopes to expand the menu to include a more robust coffee program, including various espresso drinks.
Perhaps the biggest addition to the brand will be soft-serve ice cream, which will only be available at the Drive-Up.
The original Donut Drive-In — with its restored neon sign — sits at 6525 Chippewa St. (aka Route 66) in southwest St. Louis. The shop opened in 1953.
Here’s a short video of the original stand made by yours truly:
(Image of the original Donut Drive-In in St. Louis by David Ackerman via Flickr)