Who Remembers Mac’s (now a Jewelers), Jackson’s Favorite West Side Drive-In?

If you saw the film American Graffiti or watched the TV series Happy Days, you are familiar with what a REAL, authentic drive-in restaurant used to be. You never had to get outta your car unless you had to use the bathroom, Car hops (usually girls dressed in drive-in attire) would come out, take your order, and bring it out to you. Roll your window up halfway – that's how they’d hang the food tray onto your vehicle. Rarely did the windows actually break under the weight.

Jackson had its share of great, memorable drive-ins, but one of them that seems to stay under most people’s radar these days is Mac’s Drive-in, formerly at 1803 W. Michigan Avenue. Those who do recall Mac’s have extremely fond memories, especially from the girls who used to work as Mac’s car hops.

According to MLive, an old 1941 Jackson City directory referred to the establishment as simply “root beer" --- this was before it became known as Mac’s. In 1950, the place was sold to Max (“Mac”) and Emma McFerran and the reputation grew.

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The McFerran’s lasted a good 13 years until they sold the drive-in to some Jackson High teachers in 1963. These faculty members believed it would be a good way for students to make some money during the summer months...and they were right. From there, the car hops began to reign supreme and the high school boys would make a point of driving out to the west side just to watch the girls wait on customers.....and themselves.

What could you get at Mac’s? A 15-cent, a 25-cent hamburg or 30-cent cheeseburg, Boston Coolers made with Vernors, fries, ice cream...the usual drive-in fare.

A full season of Mac’s lasted from April until after Labor Day, then it just sat for seven months before re-opening. Since there was no place inside for customers, they had no choice (but in my opinion, they could have stayed open until October, especially with abundant football games and homecomings).

Beginning in the mid-late 60s, fast food restaurants were creeping into Jackson, like Burger King and McDonald’s. With the kids now patronizing these places, the city’s drive-ins were taking a hit. Mac’s was eventually sold in 1979 and became a 365-day-a-year restaurant. That lasted for eleven years.

It later became Westwood Motors of Jackson and is currently housing Medawar Jewelers since 2001.