DRIVE IN LIQUOR STORES
Drive in Liquor Stores are a classic fixture in Phoenix. You don't understand their importance until you have experienced a 115 degree summer day. Known by various names throughout the country including Package Shops, Bottle Shops, and Beer Barns. They grew rapidly with the popularity of autos after the war. Unlike the cold uniform exteriors of most liquor stores, the Drive In's are unique in style and set up. Each is a classic statement of the owner's vision. One of the most interesting owners is Terry Renaker of The Cork and Bottle. Just out of the Marine Corp and needing a job, he started working for the then owner Buck. He became owner when Buck walked in one day and said, "either you are fired or you have to buy my place." There will always be debate about the value and hazards of Drive in Liquor Stores. But one thing for sure, they remain great roadside attractions. Some have even cited problems with emissions from drive ins. But as Mabel, at one of the Phoenix Drive In's says, "After you hand them the bottle, they don't idle for long."