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The following was submitted by
Bert Sena, somewhere in Mexico
enjoying retirement
:
Recently I was doing some research on the web and came across an obit
that comes out of our past. On July 29, 2000, Frank George Altrichter died. Now the rest of the story. Frank was the owner
and founder of
.
I am sure that many of our classmates still living in Albuquerque
many have been aware of Frank's death, but I am sure most of us
outside of the state are not. Anyway, I just thought I would pass
this on.
Remember back to the 50's and 60's and
Frank George Altrichter, 81, died July 29th, 2000 at
his home in Albuquerque after a brief illness. Born in Chicago, Frank moved with
his parents to Colorado Springs, Colorado, as a young child. After graduating
high school, Frank worked in Colorado Springs for several years before marrying
his high school sweetheart, Leona May Bishop. Frank moved to Albuquerque to start a
family and a career as a restaurateur. At the outbreak of WWII, he enlisted
in the Army-Air Corps and received training as a pilot. Frank returned to
Albuquerque after the War and continued in the restaurant business. In 1953,
he started the local landmark Frank's Drive In, which became a popular cruising
spot for high school students in the 60's and sold Frank's famous tacoburgers,
tater dogs, and fresh limeades. Frank was active in the New Mexico
Restaurant Association, serving as both its President and Director. In 1979,
Frank expanded his business to include Frank's Other Place and Frank's Little
Place in downtown Albuquerque; several years later, he added Frank's On Fourth.
Frank retired in 1987, but continued to be available as a consultant to the new
owners of Frank's Other Place. Frank is survived by his wife of sixty years,
May; their son, Gary and his wife, Greer; their daughter, JoAnne and her
husband, Robin; their nephew, Tony; nieces Carol, Janet, and Charlene; and
granddaughter, Amy. The demands of his businesses left Frank with little time
for hobbies, but he enjoyed flying and for a short time owned a Cessna Piper
Cub. His true love, though, was automobiles and he owned several classic
cars, including a '56 T-Bird convertible. Frank truly loved people and was
happiest when making them laugh. His family and friends will always remember his
ready wit and joyous laughter, which were most evident when telling stories of
his mischievous childhood, eccentric grandmother, escapades as a serviceman
during the War, and humorous incidents at the Drive In. The success of his
restaurants was due to more than just business acumen. Regular patrons were
always greeted with a smile and many times a joke, for Frank enjoyed his
customers, always trying to make their visit a special one. Per Frank's wishes,
there will be no memorial service. Instead, the family extends an invitation to
anyone who has a fond memory of Frank or the Drive In and wishes to share it
with the family to write it down and mail it to Altrichter, 1102 Madison SE,
Albuquerque 87108. If you aren't the writing sort, next time you are enjoying
a really good cheeseburger, milk shake, or a cherry coke, remember Frank and his
joyful smile.
Today, in the year 2004, Frank's Drive In is the home of:
Hurricane's Restaurant, 4330 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, 505-255-4248
(Picture compliments of Bill Winkler)
The building that has housed Hurricane’s since 1990 was originally opened as
Frank's Drive In in the 1950s. The '50s atmosphere remains as the decor
teems with nostalgia and plenty of pictures from that bygone era. For something
a little different, dine in your car at one of the outdoor stalls. Menu
specialties include the Disaster Burrito, which feeds four and comes with two
beef and bean burritos with fries and chile on top, and those with a sweet tooth
might opt for a shake or an Aftershock, a brownie with ice cream and hot fudge.
Breakfast and weekends tend to get the most crowded. Hurricane's even plays host
to a few vintage car shows every year, so plan ahead if you want to dine on '50s
food while you take a peek at some nice hot rods.
10/20/2008
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