Frozen In Time: Vals [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- For over half a century Vals has been a staple in the St. Cloud fast food business keeping it frozen in time.

In 1959 Val Henning and wife Kathleen Henning purchased what used to be the Pure Oil gas station along East St. Germaine and converted it into a restaurant known today as Vals. At one time the business used to be open seasonally for just six months out of the year.

Val Henning retired from the family business in 1979 and sold it to sons Bill and David Henning. David Henning bought his brother out in 1990.

David Henning says he started working at the restaurant doing various jobs when he was nine years old.

Today Vals maintains the same traditions it's maintained for decades like the well-known white sailor hat uniform. They are perhaps best known for their generous french fry portions which are flavored with a popcorn seasoning and their variety of shakes.

While keeping old traditions alive, Vals is also keeping up with modern technology. They added four touch screen ordering systems for convenience. The owner says the new technology not only makes filling orders easier on the cooks but offers greater convenience to customers.

Vals serves about 200 to 350 customers daily. David Henning says they pride themselves on their limited menu. He says when you're in the mood for a burger you know exactly where to go to get a good one.

Vals is open year-round from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

See a video of Vals below.