New Drive-In to open

posted by danpetitpas on October 9, 2008 at 10:48 am

MONETA, VA — You hear of drive-in movie theaters closing all the time, but here’s a story of one that’s opening.

Bob Craig, 59, has been interested in drive-ins ever since his father use to operate the projectors at the former Riverside Drive-in in Southeast Roanoke.

Three years ago, he dreamed of creating his own drive-in. This summer he built a 26x60-foot movie screen and had it hoisted in place with a crane. He bought old FedEx kiosks and a diner on eBay to use as ticket booths and for food service.

He plans on opening the Mayberry Drive-In & Diner later this month, run it as long as weather permits, and then reopen next May. The diner will operate year-round.

He also hopes to marry his girlfriend at the drive-in.

There are fewer than 400 drive-ins left in the US.

You can read more in the Roanoke Times.