NORMAN – “It keeps me connected to my grandpa.” Classic 50’s owner keeps her family’s drive-in alive after 65 years in business.
Classic 50’s Drive-In has been an iconic part of Norman for decades, first opening its doors as “Glenn’s Drive-In” in 1957. Jeri Sieber, the current owner, took over her family’s business seven years ago.
“It keeps me connected to my grandpa,” Sieber said. “I just couldn’t imagine Norman without it.”
The drive-in was started 65 years ago by Sieber’s grandparents, Juel and Elaine Sweatte. Lindsey Street was still a dirt road and Classic 50’s was one of the few businesses on it. The restaurant has always remained in the family – before becoming the third-generation owner, Sieber and her mother would help carhop.
Throughout the years, the restaurant has become a special place not only to Sieber, but to many OU students and alumni.
“It’s one of the only places in Norman that has been around for generations,” Sieber said.
OU alumna Kirsten Cash spent many nights at Classic 50’s when she was a student in the ‘90s. She said that it was a good place to go on first dates and before her sorority’s date parties.
“Everyone did ‘Coke dates’ there. It was a way to have an inexpensive date, especially during happy hour, with someone to get to know them,” Cash said.
Sieber has heard many stories similar to Cash’s. She enjoys hearing about all the special memories people have made at her restaurant over the years – especially about the couples who have met their spouses after their first date at Classic 50’s.
“I have been out of state at random locations, and once people find out I am from Norman, the first thing they ask me about is OU. The second thing they ask about is Classic 50’s,” Sieber said.
Years later, current OU students still treasure the classic restaurant.
“It feels so authentic and like a real drive-in,” OU Accounting Sophomore Rebecca George said.
Along with its history, the restaurant’s appearance is also ‘classic.’ George said that she enjoys the restaurant’s vintage, neon lights because it adds to the “old-school” aesthetic.
It is common for OU students to make late night runs to the drive-in and hang out with their friends.
“I like to go with my friends to have long, deep conversations together,” OU Music Junior Andrew Jacob said. “I am also always craving a Sprittle. It is just so good everytime.”
The Sprittle is one of Classic 50’s most popular items: it’s a Sprite with Skittles, making for a unique, sweet-tasting drink. According to Sieber, bacon burgers, cheese coneys and pickle-o’s are also a hit.
“I am most proud of our onion rings and pickle-o’s. We make them fresh, homemade everyday. They are made with really special ingredients like ice cream batter,” Sieber said. Many items are served with ranch, which is also homemade daily.
Although Classic 50’s has had years of success, running the family business has not always been the easiest. With Lindsey Street closing for three years and being a small business during Covid-19, Sieber faced many hardships trying to keep the restaurant open.
“I think it is really important for people to realize how hard it is to be a small business owner, especially right now and after Covid,” Sieber said.
In order to keep Classic 50’s open, Sieber said she depends on the community and appreciates all the support she has received.
Along with being the owner of the drive-in, Sieber is a wife and mom to two girls. She says her experience operating Classic 50’s has been difficult, yet rewarding.
Sieber speaks more about the challenges and benefits of being a small business:
Despite these challenges, Sieber has managed to keep Classic 50’s open and active in the community. Every weekend, the drive-in has a fundraiser for a local group – sports teams, school clubs, philanthropy weeks. The fundraisers were originally only during the fall, but have become so popular that one is held every weekend year round.
“We like to give back to the community that has been with us for so many years,” Sieber said.
Classic 50’s is located at 1521 W Lindsey St. and is open Sunday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10 a.m. to midnight.
