When an Evansville burger joint has served the same community for over 70 years, you know something magical is happening beyond the griddle. 🍔
Zesto on Riverside Drive opened its walk-up windows in 1952, back when drive-ins ruled American dining and frozen custard machines were cutting-edge technology.
Today, this iconic restaurant continues operating under Todd Hardesty’s ownership—keeping alive the legacy his parents Tom and Pat started when they purchased the business in 1971.
Meanwhile, Zesto on Franklin Street, which opened even earlier in 1949 as Evansville’s first Zesto location, thrives as a separate family-owned operation serving breakfast through late night. ✨
Together, these two independently operated locations represent living history—remnants of a once-massive national franchise that dissolved in 1955, leaving individual owners to carry the torch through generations.
How Zesto won locals’ hearts
The Hardesty family’s commitment to preserving tradition explains why Zesto on Riverside feels like stepping back to 1952 every single visit.
When Dan Hardesty started working there at age 11 in 1971, he joined 10 siblings who all worked at the family business—starting at the bottom by keeping the parking lot clean and gradually learning every station.
While his siblings pursued other paths, Dan discovered he genuinely loved the atmosphere, the customers, and the daily rhythm of serving honest food to grateful neighbors. đź’™
He took over management in the 1980s, formed a partnership with his father, and eventually purchased the entire operation with his wife Mary in the 1990s before passing it to his brother Todd.
Even a devastating fire in 1985 that gutted the building down to its walls couldn’t destroy the Zesto spirit—the famous rooftop sign survived, and the Hardestys rebuilt everything to look exactly the same.
That dedication resonates with multi-generational families like Heidi Robinson’s crew, who visit several times weekly throughout summer for the legendary cheesecake ice cream. 🍦
Customer reviews consistently praise the crinkle-cut fries, generous portions, and rock-bottom prices that make feeding a family affordable without sacrificing quality.
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The Franklin location’s homemade chicken and dumplings and breakfast service have earned devoted fans who appreciate menu items you simply can’t find at national chains.
Dan Hardesty regularly hears customers say they drove from Boonville or Henderson, Kentucky just for Zesto—testament to the old-fashioned approach that keeps people fascinated and coming back.
The walk-up format with outdoor picnic tables creates a summertime carnival atmosphere year-round, evoking memories of county fairs and simpler times. 🎡
Food Highlights
Jumbo Cheeseburger: Quarter-pound wide, thin patties griddled on a hot-top and served with pickle and onion—a customer favorite that locals describe as one of the best cheeseburgers in Evansville for under $4
Western Cheeseburger: Loaded with cheese, onion, bacon, and BBQ sauce creating a smoky-sweet flavor combination that elevates the classic burger into something special 🥓
Giant Breaded Tenderloin: A massive Indiana tradition featuring a full-muscle pork tenderloin pounded thin, breaded, and fried to golden perfection—so large it overflows the bun by several inches
Grandma’s Chicken & Dumplings: Franklin location’s signature homemade comfort food available by the pint or quart, offering authentic home-style flavor you’d expect from a family recipe passed down through generations
Real Fruit Shakes: Unlike competitors who use flavored syrup, Zesto uses actual banana, strawberry, pineapple, or cherry fruit blended into thick milkshakes that taste like summer in a cup 🍓
Razzle: A legendary thick shake loaded with add-ins like M&Ms, Butterfingers, or crushed Oreo cookies—the ultimate indulgent treat that keeps kids and adults equally excited
Atmosphere
The walk-up window format with no drive-through or indoor seating creates an authentic 1950s experience that feels refreshingly simple in our complicated modern world.
The iconic rooftop sign that survived the 1985 fire towers above Riverside Drive, beckoning hungry travelers like a beacon of deliciousness and nostalgia. 🏛️
Brightly painted picnic tables provide casual outdoor seating perfect for families, couples on dates, or solo diners enjoying burgers under Indiana skies.
The constant aroma of griddled burgers and fried food evokes county fair vibes year-round, creating an unmistakable sensory experience that hits before you even place your order.
Bottom Line
Over 70 years of continuous operation serving Evansville families across multiple generations with unwavering consistency.
Real fruit milkshakes made the old-fashioned way without artificial syrups or shortcuts.
Authentic 1952 experience preserved through devastating fires and changing times by owners who genuinely care.
Rock-bottom prices that prove exceptional quality doesn’t require premium costs—feed your family without stress.
Indiana pork tenderloins and homemade chicken & dumplings you simply cannot find at corporate chains. 🏆
Address: 920 E Riverside Dr, Evansville, IN 47713
đź“ž (812) 423-5961
🕔 Open Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM