Archive · 6 Sep 2025
Couple Saves World's Oldest Drive-In After Love Story
Matt and Lauren met at a drive-in.
They loved them so much, they decided to buy Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, the oldest operating drive-in, which opened in 1934.
They secured a loan, and now run the theater showing movies.
It's open seven days a week in the summer and on weekends the rest of the year.
They have special events there, too, like date nights.
They are the fourth owners of the drive-in and it is still a popular venue for the community.
The couple met at a drive-in and later purchased Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre.
Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre opened in 1934 and is the oldest operating drive-in in the world.
They initially considered opening a new drive-in but chose to buy Shankweiler's.
They secured a $1 million loan to buy the business.
The drive-in is open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Thursday to Sunday the rest of the year.
- Who
- Matt McClanahan and Lauren McChesney
- What
- Purchased and now own Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, the world’s oldest operating drive-in
- When
- Purchased in 2022
- Where
- Orefield, Pennsylvania
- Why
- Wanted to preserve the historic drive-in
- Theater Name
- Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre
- Location
- Orefield, Pennsylvania
- Original Opening Date
- April 15, 1934
- Current Owners
- Matt McClanahan and Lauren McChesney
- Ticket Prices
- Adults: $13, Children: $9
- Operational Status
- Open seven days Memorial Day to Labor Day, and Thursday to Sunday rest of year
