Bayers look to continue Erie Drive-In legacy amid its 55th business anniversary

Cathy and Mike Bayer are proud to be part of the Erie Drive-In’s 55-year-strong legacy, including serving multiple generations of customers and for their strong professional relationship with their staff.

By: Emily Stewart

It’s been more than half a century of a Stratford summer family tradition of grabbing burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and other Erie Drive-In favourites.

The Erie Drive-In is celebrating its 55th business anniversary. Mike and Cathy Bayer, current owners of the Erie Drive-In, have owned the business for the past 11 years and are the fourth owners of the eatery.

"For us, we're just the current stewards of the location. It's been around for so long, so it feels great to be able to be part of the legacy and carry it on,” Mike said.

The Bayers have a strong rapport with their staff, who keep in touch with the owners after their time working in the Erie Drive-In.

"We have a lot of students that start with us in high school and stay all the way through college and university and some we've gone to their weddings, become part of the family so that's always been a great experience with our staff,” Mike said.

Cathy is also ensuring that her employees enjoy serving the customers.

“If the staff's happy and smiling, they take care of the customers that come to the window. They see them smiling and having fun,” she said.

The Erie-Drive in brought in lots of new and returning customers over several decades, including those who came there as children and are now bringing their own kids and grandkids.

“People come because they came here as kids with their parents or grandparents, so it's really great to see that continued support from the community for the place,” Mike said.

The Erie Drive-In’s hamburgers, hot dogs and battered mushrooms are popular orders. As far as sweet treats go, the ice cream is a big hit and especially the zebra chocolate-vanilla twist soft serve cone.

Looking to the future, the Bayers hope to continue the Erie Drive-In’s legacy.

“We try to keep it as traditional as possible, so we hope to continue that on and that people continue to be happy with the service and the product that we provide and hopefully for many more years to come,” Mike said.

The Erie Drive-In is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day on 634 Erie St.