Pandemic ‘stresses and demands’ blamed in Edwards Drive-In closure

The entrance of Edwards Drive-In, 2126 S. Sherman Drive, was defined by a neon-lit arch suggestive of a retro jukebox. (IBJ photo/Dave Lindquist)

Edwards Drive-In, a south-side restaurant that found new life after a 2006 fire and then basked in a reality-TV spotlight, has served its final pork tenderloin.

Restaurant owners and siblings Jeff and Terri Edwards posted news of the closing on Facebook on Wednesday:

“Thanks to our fiercely loyal customers, the difficult decision to close was never based on a lack of business,” they wrote. “Over the years, we have faced and overcome many obstacles; however, these past two years have been particularly difficult. Due to the many challenges, stresses and demands caused by the pandemic, we simply are no longer able to operate at the level in which we strive, and you deserve. As a result, we have decided to close the restaurant and focus on ways we may better serve the public.”

Edwards Drive-In, 2126 S. Sherman Drive, initially opened as a Dog n Suds drive-in during the summer of 1957. The restaurant was owned and managed by Herb Edwards and his son, Tom. Jeff and Terri Edwards are Tom’s children.

In their Facebook post, the Edwards announced plans to continue serving tenderloin sandwiches, onion rings and root beer from their Dashboard Diner food truck that debuted in 2011. Attempts to reach the owners for comment were unsuccessful.

Jan. 8 was the final day when customers dined at Edwards Drive-In.

Following the 2006 fire, Edwards Drive-In was rebuilt as a modern interpretation of a 1950s diner. In addition to a 165-seat dining room, the restaurant offered curb service near a neon-lit entrance suggestive of a retro jukebox. Two replica cars, a 1955 Chevy and a pink Cadillac, adorn the building’s exterior.

In 2010, Edwards Drive-In was featured on an episode of the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food” TV show.