Zesto Drive-In of Boglusa: A Washington Parish Staple

BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) —The story of Zesto in Bogalusa Louisiana begins in the 1940’s, when Americans were obsessed with cars. Drive-ins like Sonic and Frostop were built around a cruising drive-in culture just like Zesto.

Zesto was a chain and a social hub for communities across the country. The first Zesto began in Jefferson City, Missouri in 1948. Franchised locations opened up around the country, including Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Since those early days, most of them have closed but a few independently owned and operated still exist today.

Mary Lee McKenzie is a co-owner of Zesto Bogalusa and says, “we’ve been in and out here all our lives. We’ve been here 59 years. Bogalusa has been really good to us. My mother’s friend’s son owned it. She found out they were going to sell it. She requested that my brother and I buy it. We did!”

Mary Lee bought Zesto 59 years ago with her husband Shelby, her brother Ralph and sister in law Marrian. Mary still works with her family, including the descendants of her brother and sister-in law. Her husband, Shelby, passed away last year, but Mary’s great grand daughter is named after him and continues to help keep the tradition of Zesto open!

Shelby Lee Carney, the great grand daughter is the 85th Louisiana paper queen. The Louisiana Paper Queen tradition begain in 1939 and is the second oldest pageant in the state. Unlike in other pageants in Louisiana, the queens win their title by raising funds for the American Legion.

Shelby enjoys the Paper Queen title as well as Zesto and says “I really love all the malts and even though it’s kind of boring I like grilled cheese sandwiches. Usually I get strawberry or vanilla, I love making ice cream cones, malts, hot dogs and getting to talk to people and take orders.”

The Paper Queen tradition started on a fourth of July, as a way to celebrate the birth of the city of Bogalusa. Since those humble beginnings, its grown and the Queens travel around the state and across the country to Washington D.C. Mardi Gras. The American Legion gives scholarships to the queens and runner ups for their fundraising efforts.

The seasoning of Zesto and the family’s of Bogalusa is more than what is on the food. Zesto represents a place out of time from different eras, where life is about burgers, fries, milkshakes tradition and family.

“I love seeing lots of customers in the parking lot because that means they are busy and I know Maw Maw is up front serving everyone and working very hard,” says Shelby.

Next year, Zesto celebrates their 60-year-anniversary with the Mckenzie Family. They are famous for their chili dogs, chili buns and walnut malts, among other things.

If you want to get a real taste of family tradition and check out Zesto for yourself, they are located at 100 Richmond St, Bogalusa, LA 70427.

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