Pick's, Cloverdale's turquoise, century-old drive-in, is gearing up for a comeback. After months of renovation, the landmark is set to reopen in mid-January as Pick's Roadside, with owners promising the same classic burgers, milkshakes and root-beer floats that locals grew up on, plus a few upgrades. For residents who spent their childhoods under that neon sign, the return feels like one more hint that downtown Cloverdale might finally be waking up after a long quiet spell.
What's Coming Back And What's New
The revival is being led by Anidel Hospitality and is scheduled to reopen in mid-January 2026, with an early Jan. 10 date floated and final details still pending, according to Sonoma Magazine. The stand will reopen as Pick's Roadside and keep its old-school staples - burgers, milkshakes and root-beer floats - while layering in some higher-end touches like premium Wagyu beef, optional ingredient add-ons and a curated wine and beer list. The same report notes that Pick’s much-loved red relish is also slated to make its return.
Nearly A Century On Cloverdale Boulevard
Pick's dates back to 1923, when it opened as Reed and Bell's Root Beer Stand, and it picked up its now-familiar name after Mayo and Johnie Mae Pickard bought the business in the early 1950s, according to The Press Democrat. Over the decades, ownership has passed through several hands. Property owner Claudia Clow held it for years, and more recent operators included a 2021 sale to Nicole Hinchliffe, before the business was put up for sale again in 2024. That long and winding history helps explain why locals are so keyed up about Anidel's renovation: Pick's is one of the last surviving drive-ins in the county, and people are not eager to see it fade away.
Anidel's Restoration And Local Leadership
Anidel Hospitality, led by entrepreneur Chris Fanini, has been buying and reviving historic Sonoma County properties and is now steering Pick's back into service, the company says, per Sonoma Magazine. Amber Lanier, a fifth-generation Cloverdale resident, is set to serve as general manager, bringing some hometown credibility to the reboot. Anidel managing director John Wittig told the magazine their goal was to "create the best burger in Sonoma County." Renovations have reportedly focused on preserving the stand's vintage charm while quietly upgrading the kitchen equipment and drink program behind the scenes.
Small-Town Lift For Downtown
Local business owners are hoping Pick's Roadside will lure more visitors to Cloverdale's compact main street. The city has roughly 8,784 residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, which means any steady stream of burger-seeking out-of-towners could make a real difference. Across small Northern California towns, reviving beloved legacy restaurants has become a go-to strategy for drawing day-trippers and weekend visitors to nearby shops and tasting rooms. Whether Pick's can turn all that nostalgia into a lasting bump for other downtown merchants will be one to watch as the new year gets underway.
When To Go
An official opening date and operating hours are expected to be announced by the owners ahead of the mid-January relaunch, with local outlets reporting that final details should land closer to the planned opening. We will update this story once Pick's publishes its full hours and menu and when the new team clarifies whether guests can simply walk up or if any kind of reservation system will be in play.
