Popular Brooklyn Park Drive-In Restaurant To Get a Refresh
Wagner’s Drive-In, a Brooklyn Park staple, is getting a much-needed refresh to its parking lot this coming week.
Its a taste of the past. The family-owned business opened in Brooklyn Park in 1988, and still offers a historic experience with a classic flavor.
“We’re very quality,” said Ralph Wagner, Wagner’s general manager. “It’s the quality of the burger, it’s a fresh-ground beef burger. There’s nothing frozen about it.”
Ralph recently stepped in to help with his family business after years spent away. His brother, the drive-in’s owner Jim Wagner, has battled a number of health issues over the last few years. Jim still works nearly every day. The community has rallied around him in the past, and they continue to do so.
‘Land of Ten Thousand Potholes’
Now, Wagner is committed to improving the drive-in. Parking lot improvements were in limbo over the last few years, which he attributes to possible Light Rail Transit plans.
Much like the classic burgers and drive-in order style, the parking lot could be a look into the past too. Though this throwback isn’t so favorable.
“Here ya go,” Wagner said, gesturing behind him at the asphalt. “The ‘Land of Ten Thousand Potholes!'”
Ralph Wagner gestures to the flaws of the longtime drive-in’s parking lot.
For a drive-in, that isn’t ideal. Wagner said it is time for a refresh — citing personal and customer complaints.
“They constantly complain about the parking lot, you know,” he said. “So now that I’ve been back, we’re able to get funding correct. We’re able to do this. We’re working in the right direction.”
These complaints are being resolved over the next week. Work already started as workers poured concrete around Wagner’s building to create an ADA-compliant sidewalk.
Some work already started on Wagner’s parking lot.
Work Underway
This is all especially great news for motorists, especially the group that brings in classic cars each Monday night.
“The car clubs are looking forward — then, we can have more events up here,” Wagner said.
It isn’t just the car clubs — staff are excited, too. Juli Smith said this will make driving in and serving much easier.
“Honestly, my car gets messed up driving through the parking lot,” Smith said. “I can’t imagine what it’s doing to everybody else’s cars.”
Smith said she hits over ten thousand steps a day at work. She’s grateful for something fast-paced that keeps her moving. This construction will keep staff moving for years to come.
Wagner’s will remain open throughout construction, which Wagner hopes will wrap up early next week. He said to keep an eye out on the drive-in’s social media for ‘Parking Lot Party’ details.
The Wagner’s in Brooklyn Park has been at this location since 1988.
