Wright's Dairy-Rite — Restaurant in Staunton

The last few times we ate at Wright's, the food has been cold. Tonight, we ordered 2 chicken sandwiches and a fry. It took 30 minutes to get our food, which would be ok EXCEPT the bread was not toasted, and the 3 small chicken strips were cold. The fry tasted like it was cooked an hour before. We stopped A guy and asked if we could get a fresh fry. He said he didn't know so we said, "Can you ask someone" 10 minutes later we asked a girl (who later found out she was the manager) if we could get a fresh fry. She said she'd get it right out. 9 minutes later ( multiple orders being delivered while we waited on the fry), we went to the counter and asked again! Our chicken was served cold, so we sat there waiting on the fry. Also told her, we wanted to speak to the manager Asa she had a chance. She said that was her. That 19 minutes for the 2nd fry was also cold but at least cooked, and we had to get it ourselves from the counter. The manager walked past us several times and NEVER came to talk to us or even look at us, and we sat at the kitchen entrance, so she went out of her way to ignore us. She did, however, go talk to people she knew 2 tables back asking how their food was. Then she went back a 2nd time and asked if they were coming back next friday. Never even acknowledge us sitting there but had time to talk to her friends. This is not good customer service to serve food cold after waiting 30 minutes. Then, ignoring people after they specifically tell YOU that they want to talk to you. You didn't have time to talk to us but had time to talk to friends twice after we asked to speak to you. You should not be a manager if you don't want to handle...

This place was recommended to me at a coffee shop on my way home from the in-laws. Originally a Dairy-Rite, this place has been opened since 1952 and has a ton of character. Think of what Sonic is trying to replicate. Pull up, hit the call button, order from classics like burgers, hot dogs, chicken sando’s, milkshakes, etc and in about 15-20 someone brings your food out to your car.

I wish I could remember my waitresses name (Sarah, maybe?) but she was so sweet. I asked her about the history of the place and she told me that she first tried it about 5 years ago, started working there about a year ago, and that it was her favorite job ever. Granted, she was on the younger side, but it says something about this place for it to be her favorite job. She spoke highly of the owners, the regulars, and the community which was cool to hear.

On to the good stuff…

I ordered a 1/3lb burger, fries, and an extra-thick milkshake. The only way I can describe this is that it was a blast from the past in all the best ways. This is what I imagine the birth of the hamburger was like. Hand-formed patty, cooked on a griddle, and packed with flavor. Crinkle cut fries were well executed and well seasoned.

I paid an extra $0.25 to have my banana milkshake extra thick and would recommend everyone add a couple c’s (thiccc). Still straw-able but that spoon came in handy towards the end!

If you’re ever in the Salem area, be sure to check in and get a...

I haven't been to a drive-up, eat-in-my-car restaurant since, as a young child, I enjoyed A&W root beer ice cream floats in the 1970's. So when, on a hot late-July evening, I unknowingly stumbled upon this wonderful roadside restaurant, I was giddy with excitement born of 40 years of absence and nostalgia. Wright's didn't disappoint me. I thoroughly enjoyed my chocolate milkshake, and the Reuben (a traditional Jewish Delicatessen sandwich that is often a difficult challenge for the typical "American Diner") although modestly-sized, was well-balanced and very tasty. It may sound silly, but the pickle spear was a very fine side: crisp, cold, with a great bite of vinegary acidity. Altogether, I was very pleased with the food. Additionally, the service and the staff were prompt, friendly, and professional. As to the building itself, for the driver, coming down the highway, the restaurant projects a strong visual profile and impact, particularly the striking neon-outlined sign. It is clean and well-maintained- things that can often be a struggle for buildings that have had a long and busy life. Overall, I had a wonderful meal, a wonderful time and I am wondering why I was so wondrously lucky to come upon Wright's when on my way home. I heartily...