Stephen Bryant, former top aide to Governor Hunt and now serving in similar capacity to Attorney General Rot Cooper, told me about R.O.’S Barbecue-a part of Gastonia life for more than 50 years.  Stephen told me his parents had courted there when you could get two “slaw burgers” and a Coke for .32 cents.  His parents went back recently, and when they pulled up, a carhop came out to serve them just the way they did when Stephen was just a gleam in his parent’s eyes.

  The special today is still the slaw burger, a sandwich filled with slaw.  But what slaw!  A juicy mayonnaise based combination with tomatoes and secret spices that somehow make it wonderful.  The barbecue-and-slaw combo is also a treat.

  Robert O. Black started this restaurant in 1946.  His son and daughter, Loyde and Ruth, still owns the restaurant, Loyde runs the place and can tell you about Gastonia history if you go inside and talk to him.  But if you miss the old-time experience of the drive-in, do like Stephen’s parents.  Wait outside and let the carhops come to you.

  From Interstate I-85 take exit 17 (Gastonia, U.S. Highway 321 South).  From the intersection, head south on U.S. Highway 321 (North Chester Street) toward Gastonia downtown.  Go about one mile to the intersection Airline Avenue (Gaston Ave.).  Turn right on Airline Ave. and follow it for about one mile.  (Airline turns into Gaston Avenue.)  R.O.’S is on the right.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, address: 1318 West Gaston Avenue, Gastonia, N.C. 28054, telephone (704) 866-8143