Fast Food Favorites of Yesteryear: Chandler's, Big R, and Stafford's in Marianna
By: Shelia Mader
For many Marianna residents who came of age in the late 1960s and early 1970s, fast food didn’t mean a chain with a drive-thru window and a nationwide ad campaign. It meant heading down the street to one of the town’s beloved local hangouts, Chandler’s, Big R, or Stafford’s, where the food was hot, the prices were fair, and the memories were made daily.
Chandler’s Drive-In: The Teen Scene Hub
Chandler’s, located along Highway 90 in the heart of downtown, was a go-to stop for burgers, milkshakes, and teenage camaraderie. Known for its curb service and sizzling griddle burgers, Chandler’s was the kind of place where you’d find high schoolers piled into cars, radios turned up, and the buzz of conversation floating in the warm Florida air. Their signature cheeseburgers, crinkle-cut fries, and chocolate shakes made it a staple for families and young people alike. On Friday nights, especially after football games, it was the unofficial after-party.
Big R: A Whopper of a Burger Before There Was One
Big R stood out with its oversized burgers and generous helpings. It wasn’t just the food—it was the friendly atmosphere and familiar faces that kept people coming back. The menu was simple, hearty, and satisfying—double-patty burgers, hot dogs, and loaded fries. For many, Big R marked their first job or their first date. Patrons often recall the scent of frying onions and burgers wafting through the screen door on a hot summer evening.
Stafford’s: A hidden gem with a loyal following
Tucked away just outside the heart of Marianna, Stafford’s was another cherished stop for locals. It didn’t need neon signs or flashy marketing; word-of-mouth kept the place hopping. Fried chicken, burgers, and their unforgettable chili dogs were menu highlights, but it was the feeling of familiarity, of seeing the same cooks and cashiers day in and day out, that gave Stafford’s its charm. It was the kind of joint where you knew your order would be right and ready with a smile.
A Taste of a Simpler Time
These eateries weren’t just places to grab a bite; they were touchstones of Marianna’s cultural fabric during a transformative era. They offered more than just good food, they offered connection, routine, and small-town comfort during a time of great national change. Though none of the three remain in operation today, their legacy lives on in the stories and smiles of those who remember them.
Ask anyone who grew up in Jackson County during those decades, and chances are you’ll hear fond tales that start with, “Back when we had Chandler’s, Big R, and Stafford’s” and the memories flow for hours.
We’ve had awesome response from last week’s Walk Down Memory Lane and look forward to this week’s comments. We will be moving east next week with some memories from Sneads and Grand Ridge so feel free to share any memories you have. Our “Chandler’s” cup was delivered to the TIMES office last Thursday afternoon by Sheriff Lou Roberts. Lou’s wife, Kathy was going through the items, saw it, and immediately suggested that he should bring it to me. You know I was a happy camper!
