The History of Connelly's
Goody Goody Diner

Connelly's Goody Goody has a delightful history that dates back to the dreary days of the Depression. In 1931, the site was home to the first walk-up "A&W" root beer stand. To this day, you can still "get that frosty mug sensation". Along with the rising popularity of the automobile, the 1940s changed the way we ate. Americans dining desires drifted toward the hottest new way to dine out, the "Drive In". In 1948, Cecil Thompson transformed the old root beer stand into the Goody Goody Drive In. In its infancy, the new diner seated a mere 48 hungry customers. You could pull into Goody Goody 7 days a week for your favorite breakfast, lunch, or dinner and receive the best curb service in town. Parents would drive to the restaurant while their children expressed their delight and excitement by chanting "goody goody". That's how we got our name. Benny Goodman & Helen Ward even popularized the Mercer song "Goody Goody" in the early 1940s. By that time, the Goody Goody Drive-In was a well known St. Louis institution.

Herb and Viola Connelly made the Goody Goody a even bigger hit in 1954. It became the place to "cruise". Many notable neighbors came and went during the 50s and 60s. Among them were the Mel Rose Pizzeria, Ed's White Front BBQ, Sam the Watermelon Man and the Thunderbird Drive-in, but the Goody Goody was the "in" place. Energetic carhops would deliver your made to order meal on a metal "window" tray. Who would have thought the youngest carhop on the staff would someday become the owner.

In the late 60s, Richard Connelly purchased the popular diner from his parents. As America was entering a new era, lots of changes were taking place. Herb and Viola retired and several nearby family food establishments moved away. It would have been the end of the Goody Goody Diner as well, but in 1981, Richard and his wife, Laura made a renewed commitment to the restaurant and the neighborhood. They began operating the business under the Connelly family name.

A new decade brought about major renovation. By 1990, the diner was able to serve 110 customers. Many other new features were added to bring the restaurant up to date. New coolers, a second story storage space and the entire appearance both inside and outside was completely modernized. Goody Goody now has the capacity to serve large groups, accommodate breakfast meetings, and provide box lunches. It would be an understatement to say Richard has dedicated his life to this landmark restaurant. After all, it is the only job he has ever had! Richard's ongoing presence, and the help and support of his wife, Laura, are the keys to the diner's lasting success.

The Goody Goody diner will soon reach a milestone that only a handful of restaurants have achieved. November will mark the 55th year in business. Local as well as national magazines have featured our outstanding reputation as a place where the food is good and the service comes with a smile. The Goody Goody Diner is one of the few St. Louis eateries listed in the nationally published book Eat Your Way Across the USA, and the newly released Road Food. We are grateful to the numerous faithful "regulars" who frequent the diner on a daily basis and are proud to say that many celebrities, sports personalities, and politicians including Vice President Al Gore have also had the Goody Goody experience.

Much has changed at Goody Goody over the years but some things will always remain the same. Simplicity, freshness and value will never be compromised. Many of the menu selections were developed from treasured family recipes with a dash of our staff's very own contributions. We are not "fast" food, just good food as fast as possible.

Looking forward to our 55th year of operation, we hope to offer you made to order specials and modern versions of popular items as well as maintaining the "stand-by" diner items. We will always be committed to the tradition of Goody Goody: Providing home-cooked meals at modest prices, served by pleasant and loyal employees. Our staff is one of the best in St. Louis. We will continue to be a positive representative of North St. Louis City as well as strive to meet the needs of both the residents and the businesses in our neighborhood. Hopefully by providing a friendly family atmosphere, we will get to know you personally. We would love to have you as a "regular". Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,
Richard and Laura Connelly