The Beacon Drive-In Restaurant ranks as the second largest drive-in restaurant in the nation, making it a regional landmark and local tradition.
Heather Tanner of Ballentine, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
It was opened 60 years ago by Spartanburg icon John White. He used his own recipes and ran the restaurant with his sons for over 50 years. In 1998, White retired and the business is now owned and operated by another local family, who continue the Beacon tradition of great food and customer service.
Jenny Welch of James Island, 2010 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent
The restaurant is the largest single seller of sweet tea in the nation using 3,000 pounds of sugar per week, for a total of 62,500 gallons each year! Many thanks to Jenny Welch of James Island who took this picture in October 2010 – and who LOVES sweet tea!
The famous Beacon is now open on Sundays.
My daddy remodeled the Beacon back in 1972 or 1973, I was pretty young then, so I am not for sure what year it was. But I do know any that I always stop at the Beacon it is my all time fave. I hope it will be around for many years to come.
We do too Sheila! The Beacon is an important piece of Spartanburg’s history and a great place to grab a bite to eat.