This blog is dedicated to our friend and former co-worker "Grateful" Mike Rorabeck, who moved to Cheyenne in kindergarten and has never left. In 2015, he took a trip down memory lane, revisiting his favorite old school burger joints. Just like we miss Grateful Mike at the office, people here in the Capital City still miss these places.

To celebrate Restaurant Week, we're traveling back in time to five long-lost burger joints from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

1. The In and Out and Cruisin' Through - The red brick building on South Greeley Highway and 5th Street was a Cheyenne staple for generations. They opened in 1953 as The In and Out. After a legal dispute with the California-based burger chain In-N-Out, they changed their name to Cruisin' Through. Along with burgers, they served chili Fritos and awesome fries. Sadly, they went out of business in 2013. The site is now a Family Dollar store.

2. Griff's Burger Bar - Before it became the Burger Inn in 1966, Griff's was the biggest burger shop in town. Over 50 years later, it's still standing on the corner of Pershing and Snyder. The current owners recently began a series of renovations. Although they are updating the facility, they plan to preserve the building's rich history.

3. Nifty Fifty's - Another relic of mid-century drive-through culture on South Greeley Highway, Nifty Fifty's replaced the old A+W and kept the retro vibe alive for years, with carhops delivering Papa and Mama burgers to your window.

Mike Rorabeck, Townsquare Media
Mike Rorabeck, Townsquare Media
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4. Henry's Hamburgers - In the 60s and 70s, the Cole Shopping Center was happening and Henry's was one of the most popular chains in the country. One of their franchises was a stand in the Cole parking lot that served greasy burgers in a wrapper with their distinctive happy face logo.

5. The Burger Chef - Known for serving flame-grilled burgers in a steaming hot, clear plastic baggy, this Lincolnway restaurant is now a Kum + Go gas station and convenience store.

 

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