When I was a kid, it was a kind of treat to go to the Varsity. The had a big sign that said "Have your money in hand and your order in mind.", which I took to heart. You can be standing 30 feet away and if they aren't busy they yell at you "What'll ya have?".
It got expensive somehow. A chili slaw dog costs $4.09, which is more than a gallon of regular at Costco.