Hidden along RB Road in the charming town of Stockton, Missouri, Squeeze Inn has been capturing hearts and satisfying appetites since 2002.
This unassuming burger sanctuary doesn’t need flashy billboards or neon signs – the steady stream of cars with license plates from neighboring counties and the heavenly aroma of sizzling beef do all the necessary advertising.
What started as a family’s dream has evolved into a local legend where every bite tells a story. 🍔
How Squeeze Inn Won Local’s Hearts
The story of how Squeeze Inn became a beloved community institution begins with Ken and Ruth Noblett, who brought their burger mastery from California to Missouri’s heartland.
After successfully running Squeeze Inn locations in Sacramento for nearly two decades, the Nobletts decided to relocate to be closer to family in Illinois and provide their son Gabe with better educational opportunities.
They opened their first Missouri location on Stockton’s town square in April 2002, but fate had other plans – the devastating tornado of May 2003 destroyed their original spot, forcing them to rebuild at their current RB Road location.
What truly won locals over wasn’t just survival in the face of adversity, but the unwavering commitment to quality that Ken and Ruth maintained.
Ken, a former zookeeper at Sacramento Zoo, brought his attention to detail from animal care to burger craft, while Ruth’s warm hospitality made every customer feel like family.
The couple’s dedication to serving fresh, never-frozen beef and creating their signature cheese skirt technique earned them a devoted following.
Today, Ruth and her son Gabe continue the legacy, with Ruth still personally serving customers and sharing stories about the restaurant’s colorful history. 👑
Food Highlights
- The Squeeze with Cheese: This third-pound griddle-cooked burger smothered in so much shredded cheddar cheese that it overflows the patty and creates a famous “cheese skirt” of crunchy cheddar – it’s their claim to fame and absolutely massive
- Regular Hamburger: Quarter-pound of 100% fresh ground beef served on a fresh sesame seed bun, proving that quality trumps quantity when executed perfectly
- BLT Sandwich: Bacon on grilled sourdough with mayo, tomatoes, and lettuce – a testament to their mastery of simple comfort food classics
- Steak Sandwich: Quarter-pound of thinly sliced rib-eye steak grilled and served on a toasted sesame seed bun with mayo, tomato, and lettuce
- French Fries: Fresh-cut fries from real potatoes that are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and pair perfectly with their legendary burgers
ALSO IN MISSOURI: One Heckuva Hole in the Wall Restaurant in Missouri
Atmosphere
The interior of Squeeze Inn wraps you in nostalgic warmth with wood-paneled walls adorned with decades of memorabilia, framed photographs, and local artifacts that tell stories without saying a word.
The cozy dining area features simple wooden tables and chairs, creating an atmosphere that feels more like eating at a beloved relative’s house than a restaurant.
The walls serve as a living museum of local history, displaying everything from newspaper clippings to handwritten notes that reward those who take time to explore.
This quirky, whimsical environment perfectly complements the down-to-earth hospitality that makes every visitor feel like part of the Squeeze Inn family. 🏠✨
Bottom Line
Visit for the legendary cheese skirt burger that Food Network featured, experience genuine small-town hospitality, enjoy fresh-cut fries made from real potatoes, discover a local institution with 20+ years of history, and taste quality comfort food that keeps customers driving from neighboring states. 🌟
Address: 404 RB Road, Stockton, MO 65785
📞 (417) 276-6302
🕔 Tue & Thu-Fri: 11 AM–6:30 PM, Wed & Sat: 11 AM–2 PM (closed Sun-Mon)