I finally worked up the nerve to stop one Friday night not having a clue what I would find. As I entered the doorway of what used to be the car hops order pick up area I was greeted by a short rotund gal with big brown eyes and an ear to ear smile, Belle Green. We instantly took a liking to one another though I can’t imagine that she ever did meet a person she didn't like. She instantly remembered my name, my girlfriends name and my car, the 72 Chevelle. During every visit thereafter Belle would ask when we were getting married and inform any girl with me that I was already spoken for. Al was always pleasant wearing his apron, smiling and shaking his head as Belle cracked jokes at the counter. Al would stay at the grill cooking up the orders as they came in one at a time, thus, "the same day service."

As teens we would take advantage of the long waits to do the things we did back then in seclusion at the far end of the overhang. I would often go in and help lock up as we were usually the last ones there. Through the years I moved away from Indy but would often think about the gargantuan hamburgers served up at Al Green's.

I stopped by while traveling through Indy in about 1991 to introduce my wife and new daughter. Sadly they had fallen on very hard times. It appeared that they were living in the restaurant and it smelled terribly. But Al and Belle were as friendly as ever and we talked of old times. Al even mentioned that he might have an investor who wanted to restore the old place but it seemed he did not take much stock in the idea. We took some photos together and Belle gave me an old custom printed Al Green's napkin that I framed and still have. They welcomed us back anytime but I knew it would probably be the last time I would see them and sadly it was. I can still remember the taste of the giant burger with the lettuce, mayo and gravy, a box of tater tots and a giant root beer. Now that was livin!

Bob Ryan
Warren Central '78
Currently living in Omaha, Nebraska