Exterior of Islander Restaurant with neon palm tree. The Islander, located in the Perkins Bldg. at S. 11th & A St., advertised itself as "Tacoma's Smart Charcoal Broiler Restaurant" where people could enjoy "Cocktails and Dining in a Tropical Atmosphere." In May, 1957, the restaurant changed hands when Walter F. Clark returned to Tacoma after an absence of 30 years to include the Islander in his chain of Northwest restaurants. Mr. Clark had first opened Manning's Coffee Shop on 11th & Broadway in 1925. His chain of dining establishments included Clark's Red Apple in Bellevue, the Red Carpet in downtown Seattle and Clark's Village Chef in the University District, and were well-known for their delicious food. Clark's Islander would have a warm, exotic Polynesian atmosphere with special dishes in agreement with the motif, and other tasty meals ranging from 80 cents and onward for lunches and $1.75 and above for dinners. Plenty of free parking was available. Photograph ordered for Clark's Islander; exposures to be used for TV slides for KTVW. (TNT 5-6-57, p. 4-5)
Clark's Islander (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Electric signs--Tacoma--1950-1960;