Drive-in Restaurants – Page 2 – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Dog & Mug

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Dog & Mug Root Beer

Mishawaka, Indiana

As an artist, I am always looking at things differently than most. I have painted several nostalgic businesses around the country. This painting is a combination of two photos. The building, Dog ‘n Mug, once a well-known Root Beer car hop drive-in, closed and eventually became Dog ‘n Mug. It was in operation for a few years, was sold and is no longer an eating establishment.

This painting was commissioned by the owners when they first opened and requested some changes to the painting, which included put their his and hers cars in the painting.

around the sides of the wood.

24″ X 36″ original painting on canvas not available.

Jimmy’s Hurricane

December 30, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Jimmy’s Hurricane

Miami, Florida

Jimmy Ellenburg, was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 2000 as an outstanding quarterback and halfback at Miami High School. In the three years that he played, he had two State Championships and graduated in 1935. Years later, Jimmy opened up the restaurant in Miami, Florida. He and his wife operated the restaurant from 1950 to 1966. Since I painted nostalgic places, I was told about a restaurant that was famous in the area, so I started doing some research. The restaurant no longer exists and Jimmy has since passed away, but the memory of his accomplishments and his famous restaurant remains.

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” ………. Original Painting on stretched canvas not available.

Big Chicken

December 27, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

“The Big Chicken”

Marietta, Georgia

I was told by an Eastern Airlines Pilot, many years ago, that when flying into Atlanta, Georgia, when he saw the big chicken, he knew when to start his descent into Hartsfield Airport. The Big Chicken was 68 feet high. The eye rolled around and the tail feather on the back of its head went up and down. It was called “Johnny Rebs, Chick, Chuck and Shake.” You can just about guess what they served.

When I arrived in Marietta, in 1983, the building was occupied by Kentucky Fried Chicken. Many years later, when the mechanisms no longer worked, they decided to tear the building down, but the community response convinced them to rebuild the chicken. The building now is just slightly shorter, but now everything has been rebuilt and updated into working order. They even have a spiked roof, so the birds wouldn’t perch on top of it. You can see the building at the corner of Hwy 41 and Roswell Road, in Marietta, Georgia.

When I painted the picture, I had already taken photos of the original Big Chicken, so I decided to use that version to paint.

around the sides of the wood.

11″ x 14″………. $148.82

16″ x 20″ ………. $204.72

16″ x 20″ ………. $375.00 Original painting on stretched canvas

Angels Diner

December 26, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Angels Diner,

Palatka, Florida.

Established in 1932, Angels Diner is the oldest diner in the State of Florida. Palatka is located 44 miles east of Gainesville and is open 24 hours. They even serve breakfast at any time. Besides up to one-pound hamburgers, they are also known for their freshly made Onion Rings. (Not Frozen). You can also order Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken and Catfish. The diner also has outside covered seating.

Gainesville has several big Street Art Shows per year, which I exhibited at both. Angels was a big hit after I painted and unveiled it for the shows. The locals recognized it as their own favorite historic place to eat.

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” ………. $1,295.00 Original Painting

A & W Drive-in

December 26, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

When exhibiting at Art Shows and Festivals, I tried to have a painting that the locals could identify with, so I would scan the area after the shows and take pictures of interesting places. I had been in the show in Wyandotte, Michigan for years and painted several places near there. One of the places I painted, was the A & W Drive-in, located in Taylor, Michigan. It was a typical design for that restaurant in the 1950’s that I remembered. It was a 24″ x 36″ painting, on stretched canvas. With a little humor, you will notice the driver of the corvette is parked in a no parking zone and the car hop is paying more attention to him, instead of the customers.

Other A & W paintings that I have done: A & W Root Beer Barrel, South Bend, IN

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” ………. $1,295.00 Original Painting