Since the early 80's this has been a tradition on our Sanibel visits. About 10 years ago a "feud" started between the restaurant and their next-door neighbors over parking lots. Whether or not this was the impetus for their move to a new location, I don't know. What has happened is a decline in service and atmosphere.
Their original location was cramped, odd, hot, and quirky, but it was somehow delightfully unique and a "must do" when visiting the island.
The new location (formerly Pippin's restaurant) lacks the 50's diner feel. I don't see how any amount of decoration could ever capture the feel of the original restaurant.
As for the food, it is what it is. It's an "assembly line" burger. Toppings aren't particularly prepared in good burger fashion. For example, order onion, and you get a slice of white onion. You'll end up removing 75% of it as i have yet to find anyone who wants a 4" diameter, 1/4" thick solid slice of onion on anything.
Out of the probably 50 burgers I've had over the years, I don't recall any of the meat ever being centered on the bun. I don't know if this is by design or just the product of lack-luster pride in one's food prep and display. Although not affecting flavor, it does tend to "goo" one side of the bun.
The service is typical Sanibel indifference to tourists. You're the next dollar bill in their pocket and there will be more whether you're happy or not. I've never had service bad enough to leave, but I've never made the comment "wow, that was great service."
I agree with other reviewers that you'll be surrounded by screaming kids. Since Florida has become non-smoking in all restaurants, couldn't they convert their old smoking areas to "No Kids" areas?
Try it...you probably won't be disappointed in the food, but you probably won't understand the hype if you never got to visit their original location. It's like a hot dog from a ball-park. If you eat it at home, you'll hate it....surround yourself with uncomfortable bleachers, bright sunlight, a hairy shirtless guy two rows down and a computerized organ over a series of tinny megaphones playing "take me out to the ballgame", and you'll love it.
That's what this place WAS.
