Flo's V8 Café

Flo's V8 Café

Flo's V8 Café, located in Carburetor County's iconic Radiator Springs, proudly advertises itself as the purveyor of the "finest fuel in fifty states." Owned by the affable Flo, this automotive-themed café stands out as a popular gathering spot for the residents of Radiator Springs. Shaped like a genuine V8 engine, the roof is shaped like an air filer and the gas pumps are located under the designed piston rods, there's spark plugs above the valve covers and an outdoor dining. The café offers a unique ambiance for patrons to enjoy a drink, chat, and immerse themselves in the town.

Inside Flo's V8 Café, patrons are treated to a variety of automotive-inspired treats, including gas, antifreeze, coolant, and axle grease. The establishment even boasts a Sludgee machine for those seeking a distinctive refreshment. Jukeboxes at the counter add a touch of nostalgia and entertainment to the dining experience.

History

The logo on neon lights

In Cars, Flo's V8 Café was introduced as the main place for town meetings. It is one of the main businesses of Radiator Springs, and the only gas station from miles around.

Flo's V8 Café first appeared when Lightning McQueen was being chased by Sheriff. Flo, Ramone, Sarge, and Fillmore were there, lonely, and Sarge and Fillmore were watching the traffic light. Then, they heard Sheriff backfiring, so they peaked to see what was going on. They all watched Lightning wreck Radiator Springs, still from Flo's.

When Lightning was fixing the road with Bessie, Fillmore and Sarge were at Flo's V8 Café, and then Sheriff came. A few minutes later, when Van and Mini came into town, Flo tried to get them to stop at Flo's V8 Café, but they didn't want to, because they "just topped off."

Later, Lightning was scrapping the bumpy road that he paved earlier, and Ramone, Sarge, Fillmore, Flo, and Mater were watching him work from Flo's V8 Café.

Two days later, everyone went to Flo's to get some fuel. There, Lightning tried to tell everyone that Doc was a famous racecar, but nobody believed him (and Doc was watching from his garage). Then, Sally refilled Lightning's gas tank all the way, because she trusted him. However, Sheriff was worried that he will run away. Sally decides to take Lightning for a drive. At first, he decides on running away, but then decides to follow Sally.

The next day, at night, all the neon lights were finally fixed, including Flo's.

In Cars: The Videogame, Flo's V8 Café is now the popular location, due to the fact that there are now people driving in Radiator Springs. Often times, some cars that are driving on the road will stop under one of the stalls and get gas. It also seems to be the place to find Fletcher, Gerald, El Guapo and Papo.

In Cars: Mater-National Championship, Flo's is still the most successful building in the town, and life before cars will often stop there.

In Cars Toons: Mater's Tall Tales, Flo's is often seen while the townies are drinking their oil cans there. Also, Mater often tells his stories there.

In Cars 2, as Radiator Springs experienced growth with an influx of Route 66 visitors and racing enthusiasts, Flo expanded the café to include a "showroom" dining area and a museum dedicated to the illustrious racing career of Doc Hudson, known as "The Fabolous Hudson Hornet" This museum serves as a tribute to the racing legend and enhances the cultural significance of Flo's V8 Café. Moreover, Flo's personal memorabilia from her glamorous career with the Motorama Girls finds a permanent home within the café, adding a personal touch to the dining atmosphere. Whether patrons choose to dine indoors or opt to "pull in and park," they are treated to a breathtaking view of Ornament Valley, enhancing the overall experience at Flo's. Flo's seems to have gotten brighter paint and is even more popular, with tons of cars visiting for the World Grand Prix. Because Cars 2 didn't mainly happen in Radiator Springs, it didn't appear as many times as it did in Cars. Its only major appearance was when everyone was at Flo's, listening to Mater's story about being a spy.

In Cars 3, Flo’s only appears a couple of times when the resident and McQueen talk to Rusty and Dusty and when McQueen announces he wants to keep racing. It appears when Lizzie, Sheriff and Red are watching the Florida 500.

Cars Land

"Cruise on in to Flo's V8 Café and fill up your tank on classic American cuisine with a new spin. Inspired by the timeless drive-up diners along Route 66, Flo's V8 Café celebrates the pioneering spirit of the open road. If you're looking for the most popular restaurant in all of Carburetor County, just head towards the signature 27-foot-tall neon V8 sign!"

Menu

"Get your engines revving in the morning with breakfast favorites like chicken tamales with scrambled eggs or French toast served with salted caramel and bananas. For lunch and dinner, try inventive cuisine like Veggie-Tater Bake or indulge in home-style rotisserie classics including pork loin, citrus turkey and New York strip loin. Top off your meal with delicious single-serve fruit pies including apple-cheddar and cherry flavors!"

Dining Area and Patio

"The food at Flo's is only half the fun! From both the huge glass windows of the interior dining area and the open-air patio, you can take in the majestic mountains and expanses of Ornament Valley — and even watch cars speed past on Radiator Springs Racers.

While you're eating and enjoying the view, be sure to look around to see the mementos from the singing career of the café owner, Flo from the Disney·Pixar movie Cars. Another section of the dining area is a museum that showcases the racing career of Cars legend Doc Hudson."

Appearance

The main building is circular-shaped, painted yellow and green with the logo on top. On either side, it has two narrow buildings, holding three cars who need gas on each side.

Merchandising

• 1:55 Scale Diecast
• LEGO

Gallery

• Cars

  Cars

• 

  Mater Private Eye

• 

  Mater the Greater

• 

  Tokyo Mater

• 

  Monster Truck Mater

• Cars 2

  Cars 2

• Cars 3

  Cars 3

• The Cars Land version

  The Cars Land version

• Diecast

  Diecast

• LEGO set.

  LEGO set.

• Flo's V8 Café in Disney Infinity.

  Flo's V8 Café in Disney Infinity.

Trivia

• One of the slogans is "the only gas station from miles around" although there is one gas station a few buildings down, as well as one close to the entrance from Ornament Valley.
• Flo's V8 Café is designed to look like a V8 engine head on, with a circular air filter, tappet covers, spark plugs, pistons and connecting rods as the supports for the shelter. The blinking neon lights on the spark plugs blink in the firing order of a Ford Flathead V8.
• It is based off of the Midpoint Cafe in Adrian, Texas, whereas Flo is based off of Fran Houser, the owner.
• Originally was going to be called "Flo's" according to American Car.
• In Cars 2, Flo's V8 Cafe has an extension built but in Cars 3, the extension is gone for unknown reasons.