Mass production of the automobile ushered in an era of business expansion and increased mobility, and food stands and booths soon appeared along roadways for hungry motorists before evolving into drive-ins with curb service. Automobile-related businesses multiplied greatly after World War II, and by the 1950s drive-in diners had become symbols of youth and centers of social activity, especially in rural areas. In 1950, W.H. Kemper and R.A. Doberrer acquired a lot on the outskirts of Winters and built a small wood-frame restaurant named El Rancho Drive-In, with parking spaces on the north and south sides, an asphalt drive encircling it, and a small screen lean-to on the south facade for car hops to place orders. After only a few months, they sold the restaurant to a local couple who renamed it the Chick Inn. From its opening, the Chick Inn became a gathering place for young people in the community, remembered for making the drag around the drive-in and enjoying burgers, shakes, and fountain drinks. On weekends, its parking lot was near capacity, with as many or more people hanging out outside. For more than thirty years, the drive-in diner was a cultural icon for the Winters community until March 14, 1982, when a tornado touched down south of Winters, destroyed homes and businesses, and damaged the drive-in so extensively that the building was demolished.