Mark Montgomery said he remembers when US 75 did not reach McKinney—back when Frisco was still considered a rural town and before he became the owner of Baker’s Drive-In.
Born and raised in McKinney, Montgomery said he went to McKinney High School when it was the only high school in the city limits. In January 2000, he bought Baker’s Drive-In at 1001 S. McDonald St., McKinney.
“To see what has happened—it’s pretty amazing,” Montgomery said. “The growth and stuff that has come—I would have never thought it.”
Despite the growth in McKinney, the communal aspect has not faded for Baker’s Drive-In—something Montgomery said reminds him of Mayberry, the fictitious town that is the setting for the TV series “The Andy Griffith Show.”
“I’ve met a lot of nice people: policemen, firemen. You know, firemen that were on duty when I [took over Baker’s] are retired now, and a lot of the policemen, too,” Montgomery said. “The relationships—that’s what’s important.”
Established in the 1950s, Montgomery is the fourth owner of Baker’s Drive-In. Montgomery said he purchased the business shortly after selling Handy Mart, a convenience store that is just yards away from Baker’s.
Not much has changed from the original owner, Montgomery said. He said he likes to keep Baker’s simple, whether it is the vintage sun-faded sign pointing patrons to his restaurant or the menu items he serves.
Though he tries to keep his prices low, Montgomery said he is not afraid to go big on portion sizes for some of his signature sandwiches, such as the Philly Cheese Steak.
“Philly is a bad dude, man,” Montgomery said. “It’s a foot long. We use the rib-eye steak with peppers and onions and cheese.”
Sandwiches are not the only menu items Montgomery takes pride in. He said his sweet tea, which he makes fresh in the mornings in large Mason jars, is particularly popular among his customers.
“We’re just pretty vanilla. What you see is about what you get,” Montgomery said, adding that one of his main goals is to provide people with good food at a good price.
Baker’s Drive-In
1001 S. McDonald St., McKinney 972-542-4050 www.facebook.com/bakers-drive-in-1439509886261138 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-10 p.m., closed Sun.