Cruisin’ into The Suds

4/21/2023

Big Dan “the Car Nut” Pfeiffer cruised into The Suds in his 1954 Ford on Saturday.
(PHOTO BY LARRY HOPKINS)

Popular drive-in becomes destination again

By Al Stilley
Editor

It was easy and cheap to cruise the circuit in the ‘60s in Greenwood.

Teens could show off their lowered Chevys and Fords at the Dog ‘n Suds in the valley, The Kitchen at the corner of Main Street and Highway 31, and Jerry’s Restaurant between Madison Avenue and the highway.

“The times were different,” contended retired Greenwood city parks director Evan Springer, who cruised in his ’58 Ford.

Whiteland High School student Bob Glidden, who would become a multiple Pro Stock NHRA champion and Hall of Fame member, cruised in his ’62 Ford.

Most of the cars had nicknames, “The Moonshiner,” “Cotton Candy,” and “Ruptured Duck.”

Yes, it was a different era, but the nostalgia is coming back full force with the reopening of The Suds at noon, Saturday, April 22.

Postponed for a week, the reopening Saturday opens the way for new memories for new generations.

The Dog ‘n Suds then was a destination then and reopens as a destination now as The Suds with weekday hours, lunch specials, its trademark coney dogs, and ability for patrons to order online. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays and Sundays, and Saturdays noon to 10 p.m.

Dog ‘n Suds was renamed The Suds in 1983 and has seen several owners, including its current owner John Wagner, whose daughter Susan is operations manager. The Suds has gone through temporary closures but is primed for a new era.
Popular tenderloins, coney dogs, pizzas, and root beer remain on the menu, plus new items.

Food still can be ordered from your car, but also ordered online.

Special car shows will continue in Market Square to peak the nostalgia and make the combination of The Suds and cars as a destination.

More information is on The Suds in Greenwood page on Facebook.

(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY AL STILLEY)
The Suds, a once-popular Greenwood drive-in, reopens Saturday at noon with a new wave of nostalgia and as a destination place in Market Plaza in the heart of Greenwood.