Rant & Roll by Cory Blackwood

Restaurants come and go these days, with something of a frequency. Smaller, less successful restaurants fall by the wayside to larger chains or newer, braver ideas which often fall to chains themselves. After a while, however, certain restaurants become established enough and we as diners get accustomed to their presence.

Blueberry Hill is a prime example of a restaurant that has avoided the chain restaurants, and kept its own character since it opened in the U. City Loop in 1972. Blueberry has even become an originator, spawning knockoffs across the nation. Who can't agree that Applebee's bears a striking resemblance to Blueberry, not only in the decor but the food served.

Another local treat that has been around even longer than Blueberry Hill is The Parkmoor, located at the corner of Big Bend and Clayton road. The Parkmoor has been open since 1930, and was opened by the inventor of the curb-service tray. It was also the first drive-in restaurant in St. Louis.

The Parkmoor has moved -- its parking lot used to be the restaurant -- but the sentiment and menu remains largely the same. Here's the kicker, folks, The Parkmoor is closing at the end of October.

Lou Ellen McGinley, 63, the owner and founder's daughter, cited a lack of profits as her reason for closing The Parkmoor.

It is a shame that a local institution like The Parkmoor has to close its doors because St. Louisans everywhere are too caught up spending their money at chains with no character or originality, when a true gem of Americana falls by the wayside. Applebee's and Outback Steakhouse go on waiting lists every weekend, but The Parkmoor sits directly across the street, frequented by locals who know the value of local history and flavor.

The Parkmoor isn't going to be replaced by some new or original restaurant, either. The Walgreens next door is hoping to expand their store, and further chip away at our city, making St. Louis just one city block closer to a cookie cutter image of base commercialism. There was a time when people joked about seeing a Starbucks on every corner. Now there actually is a Starbucks and a Walgreens on every corner.

The Parkmoor is too far gone to save, I am afraid, and that is a true shame. The Parkmoor was around before my parents' were even twinkles in their parents' eyes, and now it will probably become an extension of Walgreens. Norman Rockwell must be turning over in his grave.

Maybe we as St. Louisans need to focus on some of the smaller, more heartfelt things in our town. Instead of having a tradition of going to Denny's or Taco Bell after a late night of partying, go to a true greasy spoon like Eat-Rite Diner or the South City Diner. Instead taking a date to Planet Hollywood, try Hot Locust or Llywelyn's.

Take some extra time in the next couple of weeks and skip the drive-through for lunch or dinner, and eat at The Parkmoor. The chains are the same anywhere you go; Alabama, Ohio, St. Louis, but the independent places really show people what a culture is about. It will give you a chance to appreciate what we as St. Louisans are losing, and help you to try to support St. Louis local character.