HOBO JUNCTION OFFERS FOOD, FUN, NOSTALGIA

After the depot restaurant at the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway headquarters had set empty for nearly two years, new life is being pumped into building.

Mike Ross has opened Hobo Junction in the building, at the junction of 61 and 25, featuring The Fabulous 50s Ice Cream Parlor. Hobo Junction held its grand opening May 6-7, in conjunction with the railway's annual Hobo Days.

"We're having a lot of fun," Ross said. "That's what it's all about here. We want it to be a good place to be for family fun."

Matt Meyer is managing the restaurant, which features a giant one-pound hamburger and savory barbecue, among its fares. The Fabulous 50s Ice Cream Parlor includes hand-dipped ice cream, shakes, malts and floats, among other treats.

Beverages also have a nostalgic air. Vanilla and Cherry Cokes and sarsaparilla are among those available.

"We have a lot of nostalgia on the way and old songs on the juke box," said Ross, whose daughters Samantha and Kia and niece Tonya were doing 1950s numbers for customers during Hobo Days.

The walls include James Dean and Marilyn Monroe poster, vintage cars and railroad memorabilia.

Although it is hard not to associate the operation with the vintage tourist railway operation, Ross has seen even more locals visiting Hobo Junction, than tourists.

"It's been really nice," Ross said. "It's been well-received. We'll have guys in the community here, performing live music most weekends this summer."

Ross said outdoor music will even be tried during the summer.

The menu urges customers to "Come see why we're going to be famous." That would be the burgers, Ross believes. He even has a little jingle for the "King of the Road," the Hobo Junction one-pounder. "If it's too big for you, we'll cut it in two."

"I don't feel like anybody makes the burgers like we do," he said.

Hobo Junction is open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Groups of 10 or more should call in advance.) Free delivery on orders of $10 or more is also offered Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30-7:30 p.m.

"You don't have to have pizza in order to have something delivered now," Ross said.

Hobo Junction's phone number is 204-1603.