Small Town Chronicles: A&W the final decade

“Now where were we?” is a phrase historians often use as one topic leads to another. I apologize for last month’s absence—summer activities delayed this column. So, grab your coffee (or iced coffee if the weather suits), and let’s revisit the final decade of A&W’s car hop girls.

Last time, we discussed the ‘70s and the experiences of the Car Hop girls at Imlay’s A&W. Today, we’ll focus on the last decade of root beer and coney dogs.

The 1980s ushered in not only “Big Hair” but big changes for Imlay with the opening of I-69, shifting the town’s landscape. Businesses expanded toward the south end, grocery stores relocated near Newark and the expressway, Rankin’s IGA moved to the TSC plaza, and A&P/Farmers Jack eventually became Kroger at its current location. Fast food chains moved in, up and down the M-53 corridor. The decade also saw new restaurants, retail shops, school expansions, and housing developments—marking a time of growth and modernization for Imlay.

As the new decade dawned, it was clear that times were changing for the classic drive-in experience. The popularity of car hop service, which had defined so many summer nights, began to fade as new dining trends emerged. Customers were gradually shifting their preferences toward indoor seating, air conditioning, and quick counter service, reflecting broader changes in American lifestyles and expectations. This period marked a turning point, not only for A&W but for drive-ins across the country.

Rhonda Dotson
1983-1986

You may encounter Rhonda in Lapeer, where she is employed by Walmart—a retailer that was relatively unknown to many in 1983, as its expansion into Michigan did not occur until 1988. Walmart played a significant role in the rise of large retail stores, a development often referred to as the “Walmart Effect,” which contributed to the decline of many downtown businesses during the 1990s. When Rhonda began her employment with Scott and Kim Capman at the A&W, the transition toward expressways and shopping malls had not yet impacted Imlay. During this time A&W franchise owners were encouraged to shift their emphasis from car service to in-restaurant dining.

Rhonda began working as a car hop after she graduated from Dryden High School in 1983. One of her first recollections was the interior of the building. “I worked there in the early eighties. Scott and Kim ran the restaurant then; I remember the beautiful fireplace with seating all around it. In the winter customers would come in for hot cocoa or coffee after cutting their Christmas trees down. I have a lot of good memories from working there.” Unlike the early years of the root beer stand, the Capmans kept the restaurant open all year around, including the curbside service. Dotson recalls, “We had to be careful car hopping outside in the winter, when it was icy. There was one time I slipped on the ice and there went the customer’s order all over the ground!”

In the summer the restaurant hosted car cruises and shows, Rhonda and some of her co-workers such as Patti Jackson, Sarah Capman, Carol Reed, Alana Hollenbeck and Cheryl Hulett would pose for pictures along the side of the classic cars. Some of the same girls couldn’t wait for closing time, as Rhonda tells it: “We closed around 8:00 p.m. and drove over to Canada to play bingo, It didn’t matter if we didn’t win, we had fun doing something together after work.”

The girls were allowed to make their own lunch during their work shift; Dotson’s favorite was the Hammy Sammy and Onion Rings. With fresh Root Beer in a frosty mug of course! Ms. Dotson fondly recalled locals such as Roger Czap who was an officer for both Capac and Imlay City Police Departments in the 1980s. “Roger was always fun; he would joke around with you. I always looked forward to seeing the customers who came in every afternoon for lunch. Tips were always appreciated.” The tips were better inside than when she worked outside. “When you worked outside, some of the customers didn’t leave tips, not sure why?”

The second generation of Capmans still made sure their “girls’ felt safe when closing, as Ms, Dotson recalls there were always 2-3 people closing the restaurant, so the girls had someone to walk out with to their own cars. “There were a few guys that would flirt with us. They would leave their name and phone number on the placemats with a little note saying give me a call if you would like to go out.” The car hop girls would gather around, compare and see how many phone numbers they received. “It didn’t happen every day. We considered it flattering.”

Rhonda feels lucky to have started at A&W, where she made good friends and was treated well. She spent three years there before moving to Rite Aid for a decade, and is now in her 25th year at Walmart in Lapeer. She still enjoys an occasional root beer at the Almont A&W when passing through.

Even as routines shifted and the restaurant evolved, the simple pleasures of the job and the sense of community endured. The daily life at the root beer stand—serving familiar faces, sharing inside jokes, and enjoying homemade lunches—helped forge lasting bonds among the car hop girls. As the seasons changed, so did their roles, yet the warmth they brought to each interaction remained constant. Whether braving the winter chill or basking in the glow of summer evenings, their camaraderie and dedication contributed to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and ensured that customers always felt welcome. This spirit of togetherness not only defined their time at A&W but also left an indelible mark on the memories of everyone who passed through those doors, right up until the drive-in era faded into history.

In 1990, Don Capman concluded his A&W franchise and, together with Cris Timmer, started Cappy’s 50’s Diner and Drive-In. The diner operated until 1997, after which Cris established Timmer’s Maryland Fried Chicken and Don pursued other business opportunities. Scott and Kim relocated to the Carolinas, where they opened a pizzeria.

The building subsequently housed a variety of businesses, including a bakery operated by Becky Noriega and the Benny and the Jets hair salon. Following the relocation of the hair salon to downtown Imlay, the premises remained vacant. Ultimately, Jerry Shull Jr. sold the property, and the new owners demolished both the building and adjacent establishments such as the old tire store and ice cream shop in the spring of 2025. All that now remains are recollections of its past.

Currently, Imlay features an active downtown Farmers Market, car shows, and a variety of restaurants. These developments may signal a shift back toward the traditional downtown business model. It is possible that community staples such as root beer served in chilled mugs and high school students employed at local ice cream parlours and taco shops will return. As time progresses, each generation continues to leave its unique imprint on the town.

As time moves forward, changes reflect the resilience and adaptability of the community, where old traditions blend with new ventures to create a vibrant local culture. The echoes of past laughter and shared moments within beloved establishments linger in the air, inspiring newcomers and longtime residents alike to cherish their roots while embracing fresh possibilities. In this way, Imlay’s story continues to unfold—each chapter shaped by those who call it home, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness and small-town pride endures for generations to come.

Now would you like me to warm up that cup of coffee for you? What shall we talk about next?

Contact Lynn at tct@pageone-inc.com