White Turkey Drive-In is located on US 20 in Conneaut. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Generations of families in northeast Ohio have enjoyed visiting the White Turkey Drive-In in Conneaut. But how did this unique drive-in get its unusual name?

According to the drive-in’s website, Eddie and Marge Tuttle visited a Richardson Root Beer stand while on vacation and fell in love with the rich flavor of the drink and uniqueness of the business. They decided to act on their dream of opening their own restaurant and bought the franchise in 1952.

The Tuttles also operated a turkey ranch at their home in Conneaut. They wanted to create a menu item that would showcase their farm-raised turkey. After much trial and error, Marge created the drive-in’s famous Turkey Sandwich. The Tuttles decided to name their new restaurant after the White Holland breed of turkey raised on their ranch.

Established in 1952, White Turkey Drive-In is an authentic Richardson Root Beer stand serving hot dogs, coney dogs, burgers and its signature hot shredded turkey sandwich, as well as ice cream cones, sundaes and shakes. The family-owned stand is open seasonally.

The stand is located at 388 E. Main Road (US 20), Conneaut.

Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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