Hank Kesterson, the founder of Hank’s Drive-In, died last week at 91.
Kesterson opened the Fairlawn landmark in 1972. After that, it was closed only once, and that was for renovations in 2016. The restaurant reopened in 2018.
The future of the restaurant remains in limbo with a sign on the front door stating simply that Hank’s is closed until further notice.
Kesterson’s niece, Shenna Viers, renovated the building at 7431 Lee Hwy. and reopened it, running the same menu the drive-in had become famous for.
A post on the restaurant’s Facebook page says, “This is such a hard post to make. Today my uncle Hank went to meet Jesus. He has been such a staple in my life and has touched so many over the years not only through this little business that he loved so much but also through church as a Sunday school teacher and very active member of the Parrot Community. Love you so much Hanky, and you will be so missed. The drive in will be closed until further notice.”