Carl's Drive-In owner wants to create a new burger-and-entertainment destination in Winghaven

David Kraemer, who bought the drive-in in 2021, describes his plan as a "kid's paradise."

by

Carl’s Drive-In, the 16-stool burger-and-root-beer spot on Manchester Road in Brentwood, is looking to grow. 

David Kraemer, a longtime Carl's fan who bought the drive-in in 2021, is eyeing a piece of property in Winghaven on Highway 40, off the DD exit, with a plan for a burger-and-entertainment destination out west. Should his plan be approved by O'Fallon's Planning and Zoning Commission, which meets next on October 6, the western outpost of Carl's will include a drive-through, rooftop bar (yes, they'll serve alcohol), and entertainment attractions including electric go-karts for both adults and kids, a 50-foot-tall slide, and a swings ride similar to the one at Six Flags.

Kraemer describes it as a "kid's paradise" and shared a rendering with St. Louis Magazine:

Kraemer owns a construction company, and it was through that business that he met Todd Schnieder and Al Mers of SkyView Partners, an amusement ride supplier. Kraemer suggested that they should include some Carl's food at their parks. Now the trio are teaming up to expand Carl's standalone restaurants—the current plan is five more within Missouri and then to grow out of state—and create a food-entertainment destination in Winghaven. Kraemer chose Winghaven because he felt like it was far enough from the Brentwood Carl's to not be in direct competition, but it would still find a clientele that was familiar with the burgers and root beer.

"This location will be about the kids," Kraemer says. "It's a good spot for parents to just kind of let loose and hang out. They get a rooftop bar, and the kids can do their thing on the roads. And then you just can't beat the root beer and smash burgers at the end of the day."

On that note, Carl's enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief: If approved, plans are to keep the classic Carl's menu at the Winghaven location but add a bar with alcoholic slushies and Anheuser-Busch products—and the new location is planning on accommodating 100 parking spaces instead of the handful of spots at the original. 

If approved, the new Carl's could open as soon as summer 2023, Kraemer says.

Sign up for our weekly Family newsletter to keep up with the latest events and news relevant to local parents.

Receive the latest happenings and news for local parents in your inbox with our Family newsletter.
Or, check out all of our newsletters.