I for one,...sure wouldn't miss it. Way overpriced for generic food quality. The novelty of a drive-in, eat in your car has kept it going all this time.

@kraziebill : Why would you say that. Lou's has been a summer staple in Peoria for over 60 years and the owners own the property. And they are constantly busy. The East Peoria location couldn't even support a Sonic and the owners are leasing the building. I hope they succeed, but don't understand why you would think they would close the Peoria location.

@bwiser : Last year or maybe the year before the owners mentioned in an article that business wasn't good and they were thinking of not re-opening the following year. They seem to only be busy the first few weeks they open. I recall going by several times last year and only a few cars in the lot. Not like years past when you had to drive around the block a few times waiting for a spot to open.
And as @Norwood mentioned, quality has not kept up with the prices.

Sonic didn't make it at that location, I don't see how Lou's Drive Inn will be able to make there either.

Hate to see any place set empty. Hope they can make a better attempt than Sonic.

@kraziebill : @kraziebill Log Out Peoria 72° Cloudy
Journal Star
Nick in the AM: Lou's Drive-In set to expand to East PeoriaMOST POPULAR
OUR PICKSBy Nick Vlahos
Journal Star reporter Posted at 7:39 AM
Updated at 9:20 AM

Good morning, troops. It's Wednesday, May 9.Those who crave Lou's Drive-In chili dogs and pork-tenderloin sandwiches in the winter soon will be in luck. But there's a catch.You'll have to go to East Peoria to get them.Legendary Lou's, a Peoria spring-and-summer mainstay for some 65 years, is expanding to the east side of the Illinois River. The new location is expected to open Memorial Day weekend at 245 Farmdale Road in East Peoria, according to Lou's co-owner Laurie Halsey.A Sonic drive-in occupied that East Peoria spot, near the Washington Street intersection, until it closed about three years ago.The original Lou's, at 4229 N. Knoxville Ave., is to remain in operation on its usual schedule, from April or May to Labor Day weekend.
Halsey purchased Lou's in 2015 after the LaHood family and its friends had owned and operated it since the early 1950s. She said business has been great, and she's been plenty busy.
Why add to the workload she and co-owner husband Tony Halsey already bear
"Because I'm crazy," Halsey said with a laugh.
The menu is to be the same as that in Peoria. Curb service also will be offered.
So will Lou's famous popcorn and root beer, to be made on site. The 1940s-era root-beer barrel at the Peoria Lou's probably won't be making the trip, however.
"We're not going to change a good thing," Halsey said.
www.pjstar.com/news/ 20180509/nick-in-am- lous-drive-in-set-to -expand-to-east

I think it's great they're opening a second location. How often does a local business or entrepreneur take over a closed chain location? Usually the other way around. Plus, doesn't look like the owners are approaching the city for some subsidy other special service tax. I do disclose however, that I have never tried Lou's. We usually go to Cranwells Root Beer Stand in Pekin, which also has carhops.

I want to clarify that I REALLY HOPE that Lou's Drive Inn makes it at the East Peoria location. Having said that, I just don't see it. But I hope I'm wrong.

@DennisinPeoria : expensive

everyone goes to lous for the most freshly prepared frozen food in the area. its not for the tradition of that location.

@jimthompson : its not like the old days.