MIKE’S

DRIVE-IN

JHC Construction partnered with Mike’s Drive-In to construct a new restaurant location for the iconic Oregon burger brand. The project focused on delivering a modern quick-service restaurant while preserving the nostalgic drive-in character that has defined Mike’s Drive-In for decades.

Founded in 1971, Mike’s Drive-In has become a beloved regional institution known for made-to-order burgers, hand-spun milkshakes, and classic drive-in dining. Mike’s Drive‑In continues to expand throughout the Portland metro area with thoughtfully designed locations that blend modern construction with timeless diner aesthetics.

The completed restaurant supports high-volume quick-service operations while providing a welcoming dining environment for customers.

Architect: Scott Edwards

Engineering: VLMK

Draft of a fast food restaurant with a red and white exterior, black window service area, and a large logo of a smiling pig with glasses.
Exterior of Mike's Drive-In restaurant during evening, with bright signs, red picnic tables outside, and a large lit sign with a cartoon face wearing a burger hat.
People standing in line at a fast-food restaurant window with digital menu boards, in a parking lot next to a building with a red and white striped awning.
Exterior view of Mike's Drive-In restaurant with a large illuminated sign, red and white striped awning, and red picnic tables outside during dusk with trees and a parking lot in the background.
Inside a fast food restaurant with white tables and chairs, some customers eating, others waiting in line, large 'FRESH AND HOT JUST FOR YOU' sign on the wall, a wall art display with framed pictures, and a large burger graphic hanging from the ceili
Exterior of Mike's Drive-In restaurant with red and white striped sign, outdoor seating, and a mostly clear blue sky.
Construction workers working inside a room with exposed wall studs, wiring, and a wooden ceiling, as part of a building renovation or construction project.
A fast-food restaurant named 'Mike's Drive-In' with red and white striped awning, featuring a logo with a smiling face wearing glasses. The restaurant has large glass windows, and a parking lot with several cars. Pedestrians, including a man and woma
Interior of a modern burger restaurant with large windows, white tiled walls, and a bright atmosphere. There are several customers seated at white tables, enjoying their meals.
Exterior of a Clyde's restaurant with red and white striped awning, glass windows showing customers inside, red picnic tables outside, and a large sign with a burger and ice cream logo.
People ordering food at a fast-food restaurant counter with digital menu displays overhead, a soda fountain machine, and a large burger graphic on the wall behind.
Front of Mike's Drive-In, a restaurant with a red and white striped exterior, large sign with a cartoon face and glasses, and people walking by during daytime.
Interior of a casual restaurant with white tables, white chairs, and red cushioned bench seating. Five women are seated at tables, eating and talking, with a server attending one table. Large floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light, and framed
People ordering food at a drive-thru window of Mike's, a burger restaurant, with a large sign of a smiling face wearing glasses and a hat, and the words "MIKE'S" on it.
Interior of a modern fast food restaurant with white tables and chairs, some customers eating, a large red hamburger sign on the wall, and a bold sign that reads "FRESH AND HOT JUST FOR YOU SINCE 1971."

SCOPE OF WORK

Ground-up quick-service restaurant construction

Commercial kitchen and food service infrastructure installation

Drive-in style restaurant layout and customer service areas

Interior dining area and customer seating build-out

Site development and exterior dining areas

Coordination with restaurant brand standards and operational requirements

PROJECT DETAILS

2021

Portland, OR

Hospitality / Food Service

Ground-Up Restaurant Construction

Restaurant / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR)

Architect: Scott Edwards

Engineering: VLMK

PROJECT CHALLENGES

The Mike’s Drive-In project involved transforming a former bank building into a modern quick-service restaurant while maintaining the classic drive-in identity of the brand.

Working alongside Scott Edwards Architecture, the construction team integrated new commercial kitchen infrastructure, rooftop mechanical systems, and customer service areas within the existing structure. Careful coordination was required to support efficient drive-thru and walk-up service while delivering a durable restaurant space designed for high daily customer traffic.