For many people, it’s hard to imagine downtown Collinsville without Bert’s Chuckwagon — and, more importantly, the food it’s served for six decades.
The restaurant, which originated in Belleville in 1963, is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Collinsville this year. It is marking its 15th year at its current location at 101 E. Main St.
“Our original location, the little A-frame over by the (Ss. Peter & Paul) Catholic church, opened in 1965,” longtime owner Roger Conner said. “It was kind of a landmark — when people would give directions in Collinsville, they would say, ‘It’s past Bert’s’ or ‘You turn right at Bert’s.’ In 2010, they widened the highway, and it went right through my building, so we ended up down here…