50s-Style Diner Coming to Lexington

A 50s-style burgers and shakes restaurant is bringing its American classics to Lexington. 

Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries, a well-known restaurant chain in North Carolina, is set to open Sept. 3 on South Lake Drive near and . 

The menu features cheeseburgers, fresh-made frozen custard, cheesesteak sandwiches, shrimp burgers and more. Diners can enjoy their food to a background of rock n' roll music and 50s-style decor. 

Master Franchisees Christopher LaCoe and J.R. Cottle are expanding the restaurant in South Carolina. Another franchisee opened the first South Carolina Hwy 55 in Myrtle Beach earlier this year.

“Having both grown up with the restaurant, we were confident that it would be a hit in the area," Cottle said. "We are thrilled with the positive response and are looking forward to sharing Hwy 55 with the people of Lexington.”

Cottle and LaCoe both own multiple Hwy 55 locations in North Carolina and have been working for the restaurant chain for years. LaCoe hired Cottle as a line cook for the Richlands, N.C. location when Cottle was just 15 years old.

The two paired up to buy the franchising rights to South Carolina and plan to open more locations this year. 

“Having the opportunity to share our passion is a dream come true for us,” LaCoe said. “We’re proud to be a part of the success and growth associated with Hwy 55.”

Hwy 55 has 100 locations, mostly in the eastern part of North Carolina, and has 275 locations in development throughout the Southeast. The chain also has plans to open restaurants in Florida, western North Carolina and Virginia. 

The restaurant chain, formerly known as Andy’s Burgers Shakes & Fries, officially rebranded as Hwy 55 as of Feb. 24, marking the beginning of its expansion across the southeastern United States.

The Lexington restaurant's hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.