Erie Street footlongs and ice cream return for the season

Erie Street Drive-In crew members, from left, are Steph and Justin in front. In the back, from left, are Owen, Cathy and Paige.

The famous footlong hot dogs and soft ice cream at the Erie Street Drive-In are back for another season, marking the unofficial arrival of spring in Stratford.

Locals know winter is truly over when the beloved roadside stop on Erie Street reopens. Cathy Baer, the longtime owner, and her team are once again serving up their signature footlong hot dogs, burgers, fries, onion rings and more — all capped off with a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavours, including the ever-popular zebra cone.

“For decades, this little spot has been one of the busiest and most cherished places to grab a bite in Stratford throughout the spring, summer and fall,” Baer said.

The stand is currently open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours to 10 p.m. in the summer once student staff are available to work during the hotter months.