Let’s All Raise A Milkshake
The entire city seems to be in mourning, and for good reason. The man behind Calgary’s most famous milkshake and hamburger joint, Peter’s Drive-In passed away at the age of 77. Gus Pieters moved to Canada in 1954 and started the restaurant ten years later. I actually have a funny story about Peter’s. My Mom worked with his wife at the Alberta Gas Company way back…well, I won’t say how long ago. Anyway, his wife told her co-workers one day that her husband Gus was opening up a hamburger joint. According to my Mom, everyone just sort of thought “well good luck with that”, not really thinking anything would come of it. Boy were they wrong! I don’t think I have ever been to Peter’s when there hasn’t been at least ten cars in front of me. Peter’s was a staple in my childhood. I still remember my Dad going to pick up Peter’s milkshakes and burgers for his employees who were stuck working late at his printing company. Aside from moving locations once, probably the best thing about Peter’s is the fact it hasn’t changed over the years. Despite his massively successful business, Pieter’s didn’t break from the format of the drive-through and the walk-up windows, which by the way are always lined up too! Pieters actually sold his booming business back in 2005, but made sure he hand-picked the new owners himself. Talking about his famous drive-in, Pieters said he just wanted to sell the best hamburgers and the best milkshakes in Calgary. I don’t think there is any question, he made his dream come true. I think I’ll pay tribute to Pieter’s with a chocolate-banana milkshake.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Gus, rest in peace. You really created a fantastic eatery in the heart of Calgary that is known far and wide without compromising any of your principles. God bless.