Bog Craig and Kathy Gentry were hoping to open Mayberry Drive-In and Diner last winter.

"We were trying to get it in the low season so we could have some practice," said Craig.

Instead, Mayberry is set to open in late July or early August as the summer blockbuster season winds down. It's a double-edged sword for the drive-in.

Craig said they're missing out on big movies such as "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." But they won't be baptized in the industry by fire during the busiest movie season of the year.

"We're about six or seven months behind schedule," said Craig. "So we're about par for the course."

The delay hasn't been negative for the couple, he said. Rather, it has allowed them to spend more time finding exactly what they were looking for in the accompanying diner.

In the last few months, the couple found a prefab diner built by the Florida-based company that builds Denny's restaurants. The diner is currently in Chesapeake and will be transported to Moneta in the coming weeks.

"We worked on a loan for better interest rates, too," said Craig. "So the delay was a positive thing."

The 30-by-60-foot screen is being constructed in Atlanta and will be delivered this month, as will the projection booth and kiosk, both built and awaiting shipping.

The diner, which will seat 85, will offer standards such as hamburgers, soups and sandwiches. But Gentry is working on a list of recipes so the restaurant can offer something a little different.

"I've been a guinea pig almost every night for Kathy trying out new dishes," said Craig.

A recent favorite was cheeseburger pizza. The diner also will serve fried green tomatoes and Moravian chicken pot pie. Beer and wine will be available, but diners can't bring the alcohol into their cars.

The drive-in will have nightly double features with parking for more than 200 cars. The first film will be a first run, a movie that has just hit theaters. The second film will be a couple weeks older. Craig said prices are not set in stone, but he anticipates charging $6 for adults, with children under 11 getting in free.

"Studios take half that money on the first runs," said Craig. "On second runs, it's about 10 percent."

The couple wants to keep the prices reasonable to attract families, even during an economic slump. But during the downturn, being in the movie industry might just be the place to be.

"The movie industry is actually what picks up during a recession," said Craig. "It's a form of entertainment people can afford."

A recent study by the National Association of Theatre Owners showed that traditionally, movie theaters have performed better during economic slumps. During the Depression, theaters thrived as families were able to enjoy a day's worth of entertainment for less than $1. Nationally, summer numbers already have shown an increase over last year.

At Mayberry Drive-In and Diner, Craig said they want to keep prices reasonable to offer families entertainment that doesn't break the bank.

"We want a family of four to get in with tickets, get meals and everything, for under $35," he said.

The drive-in will be open year round, weather permitting.