Peter's Drive In founder dies - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Dion · 07-16-2008, 12:14 PM

The man behind Calgary's most famous fast food establishment, Peter's Drive-In has passed away.

Gus Pieters died from a stroke Tuesday.

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/loc...ub=CalgaryHome

RIP Gus and thanks for providing Calgarians with a great place to grab a burger.

Boblobla · 07-16-2008, 12:41 PM

Rip

Table 5 · 07-16-2008, 12:48 PM

Oh man, thats sad to hear. I know many think the place was overrated, but it was still a great treat to get food from that place. Still is for me, now that I'm not around the area as often. Good times, with cheese.

Canada 02 · 07-16-2008, 12:56 PM

a friend of a friend; sad to hear; next time i'm in town i'll have a licorice milkshake in his honour

habernac · 07-16-2008, 12:58 PM

he lived the Canadian dream, built it up himself. RIP, Gus.

MoneyGuy · 07-16-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

Oh man, thats sad to hear. I know many think the place was overrated, but it's still was a great treat to get food from that place, especially now that I aren't around as often. Good times, with cheese.

It was overrated, but still an institution and a place I always tried to stop in at during my visits down from Edmonton. I still do. RIP!

Dion · 07-16-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

It was overrated, but still an institution and a place I always tried to stop in at during my visits down from Edmonton. I still do. RIP!

I used to walk there quite often when i was studying business admin at SAIT.

BuzzardsWife · 07-16-2008, 01:02 PM

We have noticed the food isnt as good there anymore. Did someone buy it recently? Great place though, somewhere I always take out of towners.

nickerjones · 07-16-2008, 01:05 PM

my fave place to eat in calgary.... as a matter of fact a week from tomorrow we are having my wedding rehearsal dinner and ordering about 50 peters burgers

Table 5 · 07-16-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuzzardsWife

We have noticed the food isnt as good there anymore.

I don't know, I've been hearing that same line ever since i went there for the first time 10-15 years ago. Whether it's true, I'm not sure, but I always enjoy it when i go.

I did always think the fries were junk though.

The Goon · 07-16-2008, 01:34 PM

I will be pouring out a milkshake later for my homey.

That place was wonderful when I lived just a few blocks away.

Rifleman · 07-16-2008, 01:49 PM

I don't mind the fries there. They are always served fresh and piping hot. After getting fries from McDonald's or Harvey's that are cold and flop around like Susan Sarandon's teats, it's good to have a place that consistently puts out hot, fresh fries. And they always give you a LOT, even if you order the small size.

The burgers are pretty average, but whenever I order a single, they usually give you two beef patties. I'm not sure if it's because I'm just always lucky, or they mean to do this. You are essentially getting a quarter pounder for the price of a single burger.

The owner, Gus Pieters, had been trying to sell the place for quite some time. One of my friend's bosses was supposedly in the running a few years back.

Next time I go, I will drink an E.Coli milkshake in his honor!

Table 5 · 07-16-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

The owner, Gus Pieters, had been trying to sell the place for quite some time. One of my friend's bosses was supposedly in the running a few years back.

That place makes a killing, i'm sure whoever won the right to buy it is doing pretty well. Non-stop customers, paying in cash, served by loyal emploees (some who have been there for many many years), can't be a bad thing.

troutman · 07-16-2008, 03:43 PM

I think Gus always resisted offers to franchise - probably turned down $ millions.

http://www.petersdrivein.com/

"I also learned quickly Calgary has the best Hamburgers in the world. My driver took me to Peters' Drive-In one day. After that I'd find any excuse I could to go back there."
Hugh Jackman (Wolverine from X-Men)

Sale details:

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/...c476d8b&k=6419

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Joanne Rowe and her husband Stephen Hayden weren't even a glimmer in their parents' eyes when Gus Pieters flipped his first burger in Calgary.

Despite the time gap, and the pressure of carrying on the tradition of one of Calgary's famed fast-food restaurants, the young, new owners of the 16th Avenue N.E. drive-thru say they are up for the challenge.

On a busy day, Peters' will serve about 5,000 burgers, 4,000 milkshakes and 2,500 orders of fries.

Dang · 07-16-2008, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

The burgers are pretty average, but whenever I order a single, they usually give you two beef patties. I'm not sure if it's because I'm just always lucky, or they mean to do this. You are essentially getting a quarter pounder for the price of a single burger.

Actually the single is supposed to be one and a half beef patties. I used to work there and people were always surprised and thought it was two.

JiriHrdina · 07-16-2008, 03:59 PM

Had the pleasure of meeting Gus - he was a brilliant businessman - it was no fluke Peter's was such a success - he knew what he was doing. Treated his employees well, only bought quality ingredients and made sure the place was always 100% clean. A lot of places could learn from him.

And he was also a heckuva nice guy.

mykalberta · 07-16-2008, 04:07 PM

I dont find the food has changed one bit.

I remember going there everytime I came to Calgary or on the way to Banff. Large fries and Rings are still to large for one person, burgers are still messy as hell.

Yeah_Baby · 07-16-2008, 06:16 PM

When I come through town in August definatly stopping there to show the gf what its all about, I don't care if it adds an hour to our trip.

ricosuave · 07-16-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

... and made sure the place was always 100% clean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

Next time I go, I will drink an E.Coli milkshake in his honor!

Um, not trying to kick the guy when he is down or anything, but...

ken0042 · 07-16-2008, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rifleman

The burgers are pretty average, but whenever I order a single, they usually give you two beef patties. I'm not sure if it's because I'm just always lucky, or they mean to do this. You are essentially getting a quarter pounder for the price of a single burger.

The "single" burger has 1 and a half patties. If you notice the pricing on the menu, a "double" is about 50¢ more than a single, but a tripple is $1 more than a double.