On a quiet residential Mount Holly Street well off the beaten path, you will find an American Graffiti-style drive-in restaurant, Bright Star, which could be best described as a time machine back to the 1950s.

The Bright Star, first opened in 1961 by R.J. Terry, was a popular hangout for area teenagers. Now, according to current owner Howard Black, many of those former teens return with their children and grandchildren.

Black, who has owned the popular drive-in for nine years, says that while the '50s theme is nice, the main attraction is the food.

"Good food is what brings people back," Black says.

The current owner ran "Neighbors" restaurant in Bryson City for years and spent 25 years in retail management.

When asked what he likes about the restaurant business, he says it is not one specific thing. "The kids coming in, preparing something people like," he says.

Though curb service is available for those who want it, most customers prefer the dining room, which features Elvis posters and records on the wall. For East Gaston High senior Taylor Mayberry, who has been a waitress for a year, it is a great first job. "Something easy, everybody's friendly," she says.

While the most famous food item is the Lottaburger, which is two cheeseburgers on a long hoagie bun, I found their grilled chicken quite tempting. Young customers Hugo Laredo and Lauren Robinson of Mount Holly say, "They have the best cherry Sun Drop in town, with real cherries and real lemon."

Sherry Robinson of Mount Holly loves the history, the good food and great service. "It is a good little restaurant off the beaten path," she says.

Originally published online here: http://charlotte.com/494/story/94432.html