FORT SILL, Okla., May 26, 2016 -- It's a throwback to a different time -- when life was simpler and the coolest thing you could do on a Friday night was ride with your friends down "the cruise." Back in the day, all cruisin' roads ended at Wayne's Drive Inn, and the truth is, it still does.
Wayne's Drive Inn, referred to simply as Wayne's, has its roots in sunny California. According to its website, Wayne Abshere became a restaurateur in Arvin, Calif., in 1947 after serving in World War II. His veteran roots alone make his establishment worth checking out for Fort Sill residents, however I did test the food myself before writing this.
Actually, my first taste of Wayne's was just this morning when I had lunch at 10:30 a.m. Side note, (and consider this a public service announcement): Don't skip breakfast when you have plans to go to Wayne's. If you do, you'll end up ordering a Sissy Burger, a side of fries, a basket of homemade onion rings and a Love Potion No. 9 drink. It was way more than I needed to eat -- and I was thankful I got up and went for a run this morning before starting the day.
Anyway, Wayne's. Wayne, his wife Mary and Wayne's' best friend, Charley Barrett, may have had the first food truck with their seven-foot trailer in California. Just a few years later Wayne and Mary returned to Lawton and opened a sit down burger joint called Wayne's Burger Bar. Long story short, he opened some other places, including the Sheridan location before closing a bunch, selling one to his buddy Charley and focusing his attention on the Sheridan spot, which is where I, along with coworker Cindy McIntyre and former Tribune editor and writer Marie Berberea, went for lunch.
Cindy and I are relatively new compared to Marie, who grew up in Lawton and could tell us all sorts of fun facts about the place. We pulled up and she already knew what we wanted. Cindy and I looked over the menu before ordering (me ordering way too much). Even at 10:30 a.m. there were a few cars in the carports ordering and waiting for their food.
Kimberly Garcia was our carhop (and was super nice and let me take photos of her bringing out our food -- everyone tip her really well if she serves you). She'd been working at Wayne's for six and a half years. She took a little break for a while but came back. I asked her what her favorite thing to order was, and like a great employee said it was all good. She did say the most popular thing people order were the dinners, which of course, I didn't order -- but that just means I have to go back, obvi.
Kimberly said she loves hearing the stories of the people she brings food too (and her super easy way with talking to people made me think she probably hears as many stories as a hair stylist). She said she met one guy who met his wife after she was his carhop. I asked if she was married or dating someone and she said no. I quickly told her to go away and take orders to the other cars who may have her future husband in them! Who knows! Like I said, go to Wayne's and if you get Kimberly, tip her well, she was a great sport.
OK, back to the food (another unrelated side note: I like to write "okay" but did you know that according to the style guide professional journalists use, you NEVER use "okay" it's always OK. Why you wanted to know that I don't know, but there you have it.). So with all the food I ordered I expected to pay a hefty sum, but even with the tip, I paid $10. Not bad. I glanced at their other meals -- they have fish and chips, breakfast sandwiches served all day and an arsenal of drinks. When Marie was pregnant she would order grilled cheese and ask for pickles with it. She said that was one of the things she likes about Wayne's, you can make just about any combination you like.
It's equally awesome that they give back to the community. A quick glance at their website shows a photo of a $10,000 donation to the Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma. I love organizations that give back. Their Facebook page is fun too -- not just photos of their latest promotion but snapshots of customers enjoying being at Wayne's. They just look fun.
Apparently I need to come back on a Friday night. Sheridan road is filled with cars: classic cars, new cars, souped-up cars, regular cars ---all sorts. Wayne's is still the "it" spot to gather after a night cruise down Sheridan. With the summer months coming I can imagine groups of high school and college kids enjoying the last strands of youth, playing their music too loud, laughing too hard and eating all the calories their bodies can handle.
I'm so jealous.
I bet it is fun though. I'll have to drive by sometime -- at a reasonable hour of course. I'm not a spring chicken anymore and my baby has to be in bed by 8 p.m. Maybe I'll get a sitter and stop by Wayne's for a drink: Love Potion No 9.
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