Bells Drive In has been a longtime staple for many Chester Countians and visitors alike. It was the best place to grab a burger and a shake, or a chicken salad and a hot fudge cake. Local kids have grown up working there or going for a treat after ball games. It has been a “While you’re in town” must-see or even a day trip premier event for out-of-towners. As news spread that the beloved hangout had burned in an early morning fire Monday, April 7, people began to reminisce, sharing photos and memories of a little diner that is a big part of so many people’s lives.. The Chester County Independent shares just a few of your memories here. Memories and photos have been selected randomly.
We always have the Pusser Reunion on the Saturday before Labor day. My Mom’s (Rachel Pusser Brasher) sister (Irene Pusser Alexander) and her family would come in from East TN for the Reunion. Their first stop when they got here was Jacks Creek BBQ, but that Friday night we would always meet at Bells. My Aunt hasn’t been able to come in a few yrs. I miss those get togethers. -Patti Roe
Lainey Nye had her first ice cream cone thanks to Dayna Patterson on October 26,2015
-Stacey Hampton
Gus (boxer) and Annie (German shepherd) loved going to Bells for ice cream! - Christy M Rhodes
My girls always loved getting ice cream there. Also when I was a kid we would go every Friday to get their ice cream.
-Myranda Collins
This is where my husband proposed to me!
-Angie Moody
I started working at bells washing dishes when I was 11 years old. I have worked at bells on and off my whole life. They are family to me. I will never forget all the people I met through the years. -Denise Kinchen
I have moved out of Henderson ( moved just north of Nashville) but every time I made it back home I would try to get the best hamburgers I have ever had at Bells. It will be missed so much. - Wanda Naylor Fosbinder
Some of my favorite memories included when we dressed as themes for Halloween and waited tables. I worked at Bells on and off since I was 18 (33 now) My favorite memories all include Glenda and Dana and Phyllis. I was always pranking them and trying to pull jokes on them. I feel like those three raised me. I was there before I got married so they went through my wedding with me, adopting my daughter and my mom’s death. We have celebrated together, cried a lot and fussed and fought but ALWAYS CAME OUT AS A STRONG FAMILY! I love everyone of them and I pray for their strength to remain. To say I loved Bells is an understatement, Bells was everything except just a job. That old building is as special to Henderson as the grand ole opry is to Nashville. I gave many many babies their first ice cream cone!! Each week I would have to pay a tab of $7-8 out of my check from the free ice cream cones I gave out to babies!!
- Dayna Patterson
Bells Drive In holds many special memories for our family. Over the years, It has consistently been our go-to for family dinners. Following a lengthy day of baseball games, nothing beats a Bells Burger, Fries, and Ice Cream cones. We are deeply saddened by this loss to our community and hold out hope for a rebuild, while extending our prayers to those directly impacted.
- Heather Dar Daniel
After school, after a game, after a family gathering, there was always time for Bell’s. I’ll never forget the paper wrappers sealed with a toothpick or milkshakes in paper cups. Always loved taking a bag of Bell’s burgers and fries and some shakes to Mamaw and Papaw’s house, to Mimi’s store, or to the house in Jacks Creek. Got to take some friends from California there back in 2012 when we were working on a movie together. They loved it and showed me how the BBQ sauce was great for the fries. Living out of state, I hadn’t gotten to go nearly as often the last few years but the last few times were some of the most memorable. With my Edgar family after we had just said our last goodbyes to my grandmother, with my Aunt Diane, cousin David and Vicki, with my wife Annalisa and best friend Richard and of course my daughters Cora and Louisa. They were huge fans of the hot fudge cakes – but wasn’t everyone? I do hope the Bell’s family brings it back or sells to someone willing to make it just like it was. Whether Bell’s makes a comeback or not, the legendary Bell’s and the memories it helped create will never be forgotten in the Hooper Family. Thank you Bell’s for the memories. -Kevin Hooper
While pregnant with my second, I craved a hot fudge sundae from Bells. My husband made the 30-minute drive at least once a week so I could have one. Sweet memories
- Michelle Vinson
When I was a toddler and grade school, I remember being at my Grandma’s house around the corner on Carolina Avenue. We often walked over to Bell’s for shakes, the very best. And for their great burgers.
- Christa Smith
When I was a child, on the way to visit my Grandma in Mississippi from Jackson, we would drive through Henderson, on the way back home my Dad would stop at Bells for one of their wonderful milkshakes. I live here now and have enjoyed many meals and ice cream treats since we moved here in 1988. - Trish Alexander
My mom, Thelma King, and Judy Bell were riding buddies back in the 60’s so we spent a lot of time with them. It was the go-to place for great food and to have great fellowship with your friends. - Nelma Dabbs
I discovered my son’s first tooth while dining at Bells. We were there for lunch. I mashed a piece of French fry for him and put it into his mouth, like mommas do. He bit me. After close examination, I discovered his first tooth. As a little girl, I loved sitting on the bar stools that overlooked the grill. It was amazing to watch Joe Bell throw those meatballs onto the grill, smash them, and then cook them to perfection. - Beverly Morton
