Mayberry Drive In and Diner closes permanently one year after fire

BEDFORD COUNTY (WSLS 10) - A Bedford County staple will close permanently. Community members said the Mayberry Drive In and Diner has struggled to draw in the crowds it once attracted following a fire one year ago.

Neighbors told us on a Friday night hundreds of cars would pack the grass at Mayberry's Diner and drive in theater.

The Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce said this once popular spot was put on the 'for sale' market as of Thursday. Families, who were once able to watch movies on the big screen or grab a bite to eat, are going to have to look for other entertainment options.

"It just really opened something up that's not available here in Bedford County," said the President of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Susan Martin.

Martin told us the theater and diner which opened in 2007 attracted visitors and families from all over the county...even neighbors like John Grey.

"It is sad to see it go," said Grey. "With us two living right here, the owner would let us come over and watch movies for free. So, it actually worked out pretty good."

Grey and others said April 2nd marks the one year anniversary that a fire ripped through the diner. Since then, only the drive through and theater have been in business -- making it hard to make a profit.

"They played a couple of movies after the fire without the restaurant being open and then, I figured he had it up for sale," commented Grey.

Some would tell you this once was the best breakfast joint in the area. But now, the diner's roped off and just an empty lot remains.