The Saratogian (Saratoga, NY)

FEELING LIKE SPRING

Jack’s Drive In opens for its 82nd season

- By Michael Gwizdala mgwizdala@digitalfir­stmedia.com

Jack’s Drive In had all of the smells and feels of spring, early Monday morning. The roadside Wynantskil­l staple fired up the kitchen for its 82nd annual opening day.

Opening right around lunchtime meant time for favorites such as sliders with fried onions and ketchup, hot dogs, burgers, fries, and thick shakes. Good stuff that hit the spot for some happy hungry humans.

There was a solid stream of people lining up for food, especially regulars marking the annual tradition.

Among those making the jaunt were JoAnne and Milton Kussler from the nearby Sycaway neighborho­od of Troy.

“We’ve been coming here for years and love it. You couldn’t pick a better day,” Milton Kussler remarked on the regular patronage.

“We’re definitely here on opening day. We waited a year for this,” JoAnne Kussler commented on looking forward to opening day at Jack’s.

“It’s delicious. It’s a beautiful day,” JoAnne added.

The two regulars usually frequent Jack’s Drive In at least once a week and they both weighed in on their favorite menu choices.

“Burgers, that’s all we ever get,” Milton Kussler said.

“The little dogs are good, everything is good, the fries are good, it’s a good lunch,” JoAnne Kussler added on her go-to meal.

Also taking in opening day at Jack’s was Keenan Cosgrove, of East Greenbush, taking the short trip over from Hudson Valley Community College.

“I just got out of school and I go to Hudson Valley, knew it was opening day, my buddy told me and I come out for opening day and closing day and usually in between,” Cosgrove noted of making the annual hop over to Jack’s.

Cosgrove, who says he typically tries to grab a bite at the Wynantskil­l establishm­ent at least once a month, also noted some of his favorites.

“Burger, dog fries, classic, that’s always good, I get,” Cosgrove added.

Troy natives and friends Anthony Signorelli and Joseph Philistin also gave high marks for the menu options and beautiful

weather.

“They open once a year and I’m here every time. I love this place,” Signorelli commented on why he loves the opening day meal.

“The cheeseburg­ers are superb! And I love the cheese fries,” Signorelli added on his favorite cravings.

Philistin seconded his friend on his love for the cheese fries.

“Can’t go wrong with cheese fries. What American doesn’t love cheese fries?” Philistin said.

“This is a full American establishm­ent, so you gotta love it. Perfect day to open up,” Philistin added.

The beloved burger joint, located at 24 Main Ave. in Wynantskil­l, will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. daily through November.

 ?? MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Patrons line up for lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP Patrons line up for lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
 ?? MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Anthony Signorelli and Joseph Philistin, of Troy, enjoy lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP Anthony Signorelli and Joseph Philistin, of Troy, enjoy lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
 ?? MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? JoAnne and Milton Kussler, of Troy, enjoy lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP JoAnne and Milton Kussler, of Troy, enjoy lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
 ?? MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP ?? Keenan Cosgrove, of East Greenbush, enjoys lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.
MICHAEL GWIZDALA — MEDIANEWS GROUP Keenan Cosgrove, of East Greenbush, enjoys lunch on the 82nd annual opening day of Jack’s Drive In in Wynantskil­l.

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