Steak n Shake in Springfield, MO

406 Steak n Shakes!

I've collected at least 6 decades worth of Steak n Shake memories. 

The famous chain opened in 1934, over 2 decades before I was born. There are 406 of them, all over the USA. (as of 2024) I've probably dined at about 15 Steak n Shakes.

​Springfield, Missouri

My fondest memories are from this Steak n Shake located on the old Route 66, in the town where most of my relatives are from.

The flat, concrete building with glazed ceramic tiles, was built in 1962. I was 5 then and just beginning to make Steak n Shake memories, on visits to see grandparents and cousins.

Bittersweet Photo

I have no photos our visits in the 1960s. The oldest photo I can find is from 16 years ago, when we were in town for Dad's 80th. We ate at SnS, the day before Dad's birthday party.

This photo is bittersweet. The birthday celebration brought together Dad's 5 kids (and families) for the first time. Rich (white tee) was from Dad's second marriage, so he didn't grow up knowing his 4 half-sibs. But we all hit it off! Minutes after this photo was taken, Rich announced his engagement to Jenna. (white sunglasses) A memorable Steak n Shake memory for sure!

​Takhomasak

When I had my first SnS steak burger, I was too young to read. 

But before long I was reading those bold red letters and questioning the silly spelling of this one word suggestion. I hardly knew what it meant to "Take home a sack" of food. My family always dined in.

Curb Service

The Route 66 restaurant was still doing Curb Service in 2020, when we stopped for carryouts during the Pandemic.

Maybe they still are. But who would want to miss out on dining inside and seeing all the action.

In Sight It Must Be Right

​If you sit at the counter, you can watch your burger being grilled. The famous slogan wasn't just about cooking, back in 1934.

When "Gus" Belt opened the first Steak n Shake in Illinois, he actually ground the meat (sirloin, T-bone and round) in front of the customers. I'm actually happy not to watch that.

​With Family

I can't think of a single time I dined at Steak n Shake, when I was just with friends. All my memories, especially at the Route 66 location, involve the gathering of family members. 

The most recent meal at this black & red diner, was a special one. We had the youngest member of the family with us. Charlie was 2 when we dined on Labor Day 2024. 

We also dined with the oldest member of our family, last September. Dad had turned 95 the day before.

Gathering Around

Over the decades, we've enjoyed numerous mini-reunions at Steak n Shakes. When family comes together (from all over the country) it's nice to have a simple place that everyone can agree on.

We've snapped a lot of photos at Steak n Shakes over the years and usually the faces are pretty happy.

Water

Charlie loves the excitement of any kind of restaurant.

She was plenty excited about her water... because she didn't know what she was missing.

She was content to give Mommy a hairdo, while she waited for her burger.

What's That?

​The milk shakes suddenly arrived.

Charlie didn't really know what that thing was, with the whipped cream and cherry.

Her mom could have kept her wondering. Charlie knows there are drinks that are only for adults. But Heidi gave her a sample.

Charlie was sold after one taste!

Luckily her burger and fries came. Perfect timing!

There were lots of toasts over Dad's birthday weekend! I got in a milkshake toast, with my son, Scott!

​As we headed out, Charlie got a paper Steak n Shake hat.

Seems like it wasn't that long ago, that my (now grown) kids were the ones gleefully wearing those hats!

​We headed to the car and took Dad back to his assisted living facility.

The kids spent some time with their Grandpa (Great Grandpa) for a little while, before heading off.

Our September Steak n Shake memory will always be a special one. Dad passed away 3 months later.  These are the very last photos of Dad with the kids. I'm so happy to have these special memories.
​