By the 1950s the drive-in industry was booming. Many theaters would even allow access to the grounds as early as 3 hours before the movie would start. This allowed customers to bring the kids early. Many theaters also began to serve a variety of dinners such as fried chicken, sandwiches, hamburgers, and pizza at the concession stands.

Above is a drive-in movie marquee reading "DOUGLAS AUTO THEATER". The sign is trimmed in bright neon and incandescent lights and depicts a large late 1950's automobile which turns into a Model-T. The Douglas Auto Theatre was originally located on Douglas Ave. in Kalamazoo, MI. Below we see a drive-in theater in Texas in 1951.

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