Viviano's Will Close Again

Column by Scott Wuerz

Belleville News-Democrat, March 31, 2006, Page B5

The old Burger Chef site (located on West Main and 16th streets in Belleville, Illinois) is becoming a Taco Loco!  Read the full text of this column in the Belleville News-Democrat archives.

Comments

[Philip Atkins]

I am originally from Belleville, IL and live there now after having retired from the Air Force after 20 years. I well remember the West Main St. Burger Chef where I had a Funburger when it first came out!

I also remember when it became plain ol' 'Don Kaffers'. The most recent incarnation was a Chinese Buffet before now becoming a mexican restaurant.

When Kaffer's BC franchise expired, he added a long cinder-block extension to the front of the building to accomodate more patrons. That meant the end of the big glass windows, though you can still recognize the roof & eaves of the classic 60's design.

Also in the immediate area were later (newer) locations: one at Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, since razed (a Rally's now occupies the space). Another was in the St. Clair Square mall in Fairview Heights, IL - now a Burger King. From earlier childhood I also remember in the late 60's/early 70's my cousin worked at a Burger Chef on State Street in East St. Louis, IL where I got the Crazy Creatures window stickers (you have the video for in your Advertising section!).

[joel samuel]

What Happened to Charlie Thomas and Frank his Father?
I was great friends of his in High School, but lost contact after the sale of Burger Chef. Please let me know. I have some great stories about that time. Best regards,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9XYZfxMqng