A Brief History

Our company was founded in 1929 by Doug Prince in Dallas, Texas. Opened during the “Great Depression”, the first Prince’s drive-in was a “one man show”. Doug would go out to the customer’s car, take the order, run inside and cook it, then bring back the customer’s order. Doug was the cook, dishwasher, and he also delivered the orders to the customers parked outside.

By 1934, Prince’s had expanded to Houston, and carhops had been added. Food was served on a tray that was hung on the window of a customer’s car.

By 1941, Doug had been successful in glamorizing the “carhop” with majorette costumes, boots and tall hats. Jeanette Hall, a carhop with Prince’s, was named “Miss American Carhop” and was featured in a story in “Life” magazine.

Prince’s continued to expand through the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, with operations entering other Texas cities.