For 66 years, Kansas Citians have enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Harold’s Drive-In in Kansas City’s northeast neighborhood, and it’s all coming to a close on Dec. 31.
Deb Walker, the business owner, says Harold’s took a hit during the pandemic.
“Ever since then, I have struggled to come back up for air,” she said.
Chris Morrison/KSHBWhile Walker has owned Harold’s since 2020, she’s been behind the counter since 2003.
“It’s taken me 6 months to make the decision,” she said. “It’s very emotional because this is 21 years of my life.”
Nancy Smith worked at the burger joint in the 80s, bought it in 1999 from Harold and sold it in 2020.
“Harold always wore this little white cook hat every day he came in, and a white shirt that was always crisp, and he was fun to work with,” Smith said.
She said over the decades, Harold has remained her favorite memory of the drive-in.
Chris Morrison/KSHBSmith and Walker say that since the announcement of its closure, support has been overwhelming.