Mels Drive In Lighted Picture

Size: 24"x34"

Classic cars parked in front of Mels Drive In bring back the feel of the 60s and "American Grafitti". Framed picture with LED lights by Electric Art. Cars shown are: '55 Chevy Belair, '56 T-bird, '59 Cadillac Eldorado. Mini Light Bulbs in '55 Chevy headlights. Red & Yellow L.E.D. lights accent tail lights & bldg.

The Original Mels Diner started with the name "Mel's Drive-In" in 1947. David “Mel” Weiss and Harold Dobbs built their first restaurant with car hops in San Francisco after being inspired by similar fast food restaurants serving drive in motorists in Los Angeles. After early success Mels expanded to 11 locations throughout California. Six Mels became cultural landmarks in the Bay Area with additional groups attaining their own popularity in the nearby cities of Sacramento and Stockton. They reigned as cultural icons for twenty years while growing to almost 40 locations.

In 1972 Steven Weiss, the Son of “Mel” Weiss, wanted to bring back Mels “good 'ol times.” Giving in to his son’s wish the two worked over to re open Mel's Drive-In in the year 1985. Based on early success they soon added 3 more Mels Drive-Ins. Then as luck would have it, David and his son Steven came into disagreement which they were only able to resolve by separating operations. David “Mel” Weiss would continue as “The Original Mels”, while his son, Steven, would go forward under the name "Mels Drive-In".

The Original Mels has now grown to 22 locations, serving original recipes at restaurants throughout Northern California and Nevada. In addition to serving great food The Original Mels has a foundational commitment to improve the lives of their employees and community.

The History of Mels Diner in Hollywood:

1967: Mels was a location in the film, "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner". In the scene, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn pull into Mels and order Oregon Boysenberry ice cream. The scene was actually shot on a sound stage in Los Angeles. Hepburn and Tracy never actually visited the location depicted.

1972: In 1972, the restaurant at 140 South Van Ness in San Francisco was chosen as a feature location by George Lucas for his 1973 film "American Graffiti".

1976: Mels was featured in the hit TV series "Alice".

1980 and beyond: Mels restaurants were featured in the hit TV show "Melrose Place" (1996), Doonesbury comics  (1989) and the book "The American Drive-in" by author Mike Witzel. Replica eateries have also been constructed and operate at Universal Studios in Hollywood, Florida and Singapore.

Go Here to see a short video on the History of Mels Drive In.

Also available in Neon and 12"x18" Mini LED variants, see below.