Classic Cook’s Drive-In Rediscovered After 60 Years in Grand Rapids

One of my favorite things is seeing how buildings and places around the city are remodeled, abandoned, constructed, or demolished. I recently posted a massive gallery showcasing how drastically downtown Grand Rapids has evolved over the past decade.

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But the discoveries that really make me giddy are the rediscovery of ghost signs in older buildings, where the signs of former businesses that had previously been covered up are uncovered during renovations. For example, this Bug and Buggy sign was recently unveiled on Alpine Ave.

However, a small building on the unassuming corner of Eastern Avenue and Boston Avenue has housed various businesses over the years. However, a classic hamburger and root beer spot that was recently uncovered beneath the paint dates back to the 1960s, revealing a relic in plain sight.

Do You Remember "Cook's"?

Cook's has had a presence in Kent County since the 1940s and has seen the hot dog and root beer spot bounce around Kentwood over the years. It is currently based in Dutton. According to commenters on the 'If You Grew Up in Grand Rapids/Kent County, then you remember...' Facebook page, you could pull up to Cook's and get root beer for five cents. 

People have fond memories of going to the hamburger, root beer, and hot dog shop back in the day, with former carhops sharing that they used to earn "50 cents an hour plus tips," and many recalling how Cook's was the go-to spot after baseball games.

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Here's one person who painted the perfect picture of experiencing Cook's.

Cooks! Mom driving us... Hotdogs wrapped in that thin waxy paper... meat sauce dripping out the ends... frosty root beers and orange drinks in heavy glass mugs... the tray on your rolled-down window.. passing dogs to your sister and brother...Pardon the tear forming in the corner of my eye. Those were the days.