MEL’S DINER VALE, OREGON & PADUCAH, KY Mel’s Diner’s history involves a split into two chains: The Original Mel’s, founded by David “Mel” Weiss, and Mel’s Drive-In, revived by his son, Steven Weiss. The first Mel’s Drive-In opened in 1947 in San Francisco by Mel Weiss and Harold Dobbs, quickly becoming a popular drive-in chain. After the original chain’s decline, the 1985 revival led to the split, with Steven retaining the Mel’s Drive-In name and expanding with a strong Hollywood presence after being featured in the film American Graffiti. The chain is known for its retro-diner style and iconic status as a symbol of 1950s American car culture There is no historical connection between the famous “Mel’s Diner” chain and Paducah, KY. The Original Mels Diners began as Mel’s Drive-Ins in San Francisco in 1947 and has a history rooted in the American West, not Kentucky. Paducah’s own history is marked by its development as a port city with a strong river and rail industrial economy, starting with Native American tribes and later incorporating factories and foundries in the 19th century
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