In the 1920s, new roads such as US Route 40 meant that roadside diners became vital, as ravenous motorists needed sustenance on their journeys. The first roadside food stalls were as basic as horse-drawn wagons, but proper buildings soon budded and transformed with memorable motifs and striking signs designed to catch the eye of passing travelers. The Great Depression lasted from 1929 – 1939, during which time, many diners became too expensive to operate, though some drive-ins and roadside restaurants survived because of their cheap eats and prime locations. After the Depression and into the war years, the face of roadside diners and drive-ins changed dramatically as the lack of male labor and construction materials and food rationing meant it was extremely difficult for such establishments to stay afloat. After the war, diners boomed again, and it’s this iteration that we remain nostalgic over today. Booths were added, corners were softened to better cater to families, and kitsch stainless steel tubing and neon signage became the new normal. ‘Mom and pop’ diners appeared along the roads, serviced by carhops in fun uniforms as America was back in business again.