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Beacon Drive-In

SC PICTURE PROJECT 3 Comments

SC Picture Project / Spartanburg County / Beacon Drive-In

The Beacon Drive-In Restaurant ranks as the second largest drive-in restaurant in the nation, making it a regional landmark and local tradition.

Beacon Sign Spartanburg

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.

Beacon Drive In

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!

Plan Your Trip: Beacon Drive-In

Where is Beacon Drive-In located?
Address: 255 John B. White, Sr. Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC 29306
GPS Coordinates: 34.940290,-81.943426
Website: http://www.beacondrivein.com/
What else should I see?
Seay House 1.2 miles
Vann Building 1.4 miles
Green Street Baptist Church 1.4 miles
Morgan Square 1.5 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Spartanburg Historic Sites
    Beacon Drive-In Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary Ann Kelly says

      March 24, 2011 at 9:58 AM

      The famous Beacon is now open on Sundays.

      Reply
    2. sheila smith scripter says

      August 28, 2010 at 2:16 PM

      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.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        August 30, 2010 at 7:54 AM

        We do too Sheila! The Beacon is an important piece of Spartanburg’s history and a great place to grab a bite to eat.

        Reply

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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