By Wesley Harris
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Bengies Drive-In Theatre in Middle River won the first annual Cornerstone Award for Baltimore County from Comptroller Peter Franchot, state officials announced.
The award, which is presented to one business in Baltimore and each of Maryland’s 23 counties, recognizes unique, family-owned businesses that are ubiquitous with the community they’re in.
Alan Brody, the press spokesperson for the comptroller, said choosing Bengies Drive-In as Baltimore County’s recipient was a “no-brainer.”
“You can’t think Baltimore County without thinking Bengies Drive-In,” Brody said. “We were looking for a business that had stood the test of time, overcoming the marketplace and evolved to meet demands.”
The award was given before a small crowd on Nov. 18.
The Comptroller’s office began the call for award nominees early in the year, reaching out over Facebook, its website and to other political contacts. The office received several nominations, but not every county was accounted for.
When no businesses were nominated for Baltimore County, the Comptroller’s office set about determining one itself.
Bengies is the only drive-in theatre in Maryland. The theatre has not only stood the test of time, but cemented itself as an integral part of the community.
Bengies opened June 6, 1956 and was operated by Hank Vogel until his death in 1978. A theater chain managed the theatre until 1988, when D. Vogel, Hank’s nephew, took over management.
Bengies showcases the nation’s largest screen at 6,240 square feet, a classic 1970’s marquee, a sizable snack bar and Vogel’s radio-ready voice emceeing the triple or double feature shows.
“No one is more surprised than I that I am the last man standing,” Vogel said, referring to the rapid closings of small businesses, drive-ins in particular.
Bengies promotes small businesses for free, and Vogel donates regularly to schools and organizations like Mount Carmel.
“I don’t like philanthropists because they have to put their name on everything,” Vogel said. “If you want to do something nice, just do it.”
Their efforts in the community earned Vogel a phone call from Comptroller staff member Clem Kaikis with the award. It took a while for the news to sink in, but when it did, Vogel was touched.
“I’m very proud of it,” Vogel said. “It hasn’t gotten me any more business, not yet. Will it? We’ll see. But it’s an honor to receive it from Peter. He’s a watchdog of our money.”
As Bengies supports the community, the community supports in return. Last year saw heavy rain that could have made 2018 a financial wash for the theatre, but loyal patrons helped Bengies through. They have over 60,000 likes on Facebook, several thousand 5-star reviews, and hundreds of regular patrons.
Most drive-ins stop operating in September, but Bengies is just closing up after its holiday party. The work won’t stop for the winter either. Vogel and his staff will spend the offseason fixing up the theatre and battling backlogged paperwork to prepare for opening in early spring of 2020.
5 Comments
D. Vogel’s observation of philanthropists struck a responsive chord with me. I agree. Just give for its own sake. May Bengie’s continue with its success and place in the community!
Congratulations D. Vogel.you are so loved by me and your community.
Congratulations, D.! Here’s looking forward to another 63 years!
D congrats, you’ve been an amazing entrepreneur and I’m so glad to see the beloved Bengie’s still operating. Keep the enthusiasm going, and thanks for making sure that “the show must go on!!”
Bengie forever