Before there was Ronald McDonald, before there was a Bob's Big Boy (for you west-coasters)A&W Root Beer introduced a whole family of "restaurant mascots", The A&W Root Beer Family. They are: Papa Burger, Mama Burger, Teen Burger and Baby Burger (who was not in this collection unfortunately).
These 3 remaining statues are still at their original location, or at least I think it is. Carter's was certainly an old A&W Root Beer Stand. The oval sign and the architecture are unmistakable.
 |
 |
Unfortunately, Carter's was closed today, Sunday, so I was unable to talk to the owner to gain any insight on the statues. Perhaps another day, or if you see this and know them... they can comment here and fill us in. I am hoping that this was originally an A&W and those statues are the originals. I would like to know what happened to Baby Burger?
Also, on a personal note, Teen Burger who stands out front actually rotates slowly on his pedestal. At first I thought it might be the wind, but it's not. He just rotates slowly... left.. then right... then left... well you get the idea. Just seemed eerie to me!!!
Below are close ups of each of the three that remain. From what I have seen on the internet, it is unusual that these have survived virtually intact, specifically with the mugs of root beer in their hands. All that's missing is Baby???
 |
 |
 |
By the way... you may have noted the absence of Ora Lee... alas, there's trouble in paradise... see a separate blog entry on this date for that story.
This is one of the places I enjoyed reading about that u visited. Glad you went back to give us more info on it. I like how the people made u feel at home and that they knew each other by name. Never knew about the pizza though, and so sad about “Baby Burger”. Ohh I heard you say something about Ms. Ora Lee and her absence…in the first part..hope everything worked out...lol
ReplyDeleteThere never was a Baby Burger at this location. The three statues are now in a private collection in Santa Maria, CA.
ReplyDelete