ca. 1936. Opening of new, small restaurant with counter and tables. Space in older building with elaborate wood and leaded glass cabinetry, tin ceiling, and arcaded windows with Corinthian columns. Large, uniformed staff standing at designated stations. Probably Feeney's Cafe. Feeney's was owned by Mrs. Jessie Feeney, Mrs. Viola Hinz and Irving Ball.

Feeney's Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1930-1940; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1933. Interior of the "Happy Days Here Again" Beer Parlour. This is the "Gentleman's Service," a specific area of the bar where only men were admitted. The men would then be free to drink, smoke and make off color remarks and jokes without offending the ladies. Customers pose with one foot on the railing, while white coated bartenders line up behind the bar. Happy Days offered both gents and Ladies service. The tavern was managed by Albert D. Innocenti.

Happy Days Here Again (Tacoma); Bars--Tacoma--1930-1940; Eating & drinking facilities--Tacoma--1930-1940; Innocenti, Albert--Homes & haunts;

ca. 1926. Unidentified restaurant interior, circa 1926. Build in wicker stools at lunch counter, backbar with leaded glass, two men and two women employees behind counter. (filed with Argentum)

Restaurants--1920-1930; Restaurant workers--1920-1930; Counters;

ca. 1936. Restaurant interior. Small, downtown lunch counter, coffee shop with booths and refrigerated display case. Women in kitchen and floral bouquets on counter. For Mr. Goff.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1930-1940

Rose's Hi-Way Inn grand opening. Modern in every way with indirect lighting, a white cellutex interior marbelized in blue, and chromium and bronze trim. A large banner hanging from the roof states the restaurant would open on June 30th of 1939. Manager Rose Wilcox was famous for her chicken and steak dinners. She sold the roadside dinner house in the 1970s with the condition that the once modern restaurant retain its old-fashioned appeal. (T.Times, 6/30/1939, p. 9) (filed with Argentum)

Rose's Hi-Way Inn (Des Moines); Restaurants--Des Moines;

Dick Bevington pours a mug from the Triple XXX root beer barrel dispenser at his new drive-in restaurant in this photograph dated May 29, 1940. The franchise offered round the clock service, carhops and root beer on draft.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick;

Dick Bevington's new Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant. Six waitresses and six carhops lined up on May 29, 1940 in front of the building with neon trim and giant barrels on the roof.The service department included Bea Joyce, Grayce Bailey, Marialyce Johnson, Lola Emerson, Della Reghitto, Betty Emerson, Winnie Cunningham, Lucille Bartholet, Anne Bullard, Irving Fleming and Kenneth Lilly. (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dick and Gwyne Bevington opened this resplendent, modernistic Triple XXX Barrel curb-service restaurant in 1940. With 19 employees and 75 parking spaces, the Bevington's provided prompt service at curb, booth and counter. Coast Neon Displays designed a symphony of neon lights, shown in this night-time view, to grab the attention of drivers on the Seattle-Tacoma Highway. The orange and black root beer drive-in featured giant root beer barrels on its flat-top roof. Although dramatically altered, the diner remained in service as Marilyn's until it closed in 1999.

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1930-1940;

In May of 1940, the staff of Dick Bevington's new Triple XXX Barrel drive-in restaurant was preparing for its grand opening. G.R. ("Dick") Bevington, center, is flanked by three carhops and five waitresses as he stands in the center of the service area. Peering out from the kitchen are his crew of chefs with more than 50 years of total experience. The modern interior is decorated with indirect lighting and lots of stainless steel. It was built by Bonnell Construction of Tacoma for a total cost of $29,000. The drive-in featured counter service, booths and curb service by brightly uniformed girls with parking for almost 100 cars. The restaurant had a staff of 18. (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7; TNT 6-4-40, p. 4)

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma); Bevington, Dick; Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The Red Pig, located one-half mile beyond Fife on the Tacoma-Seattle Highway (Highway 99), opened in May of 1937. Operated by Earl Smith, it had a 100% union staff, and a completely modern "all electric" kitchen. The list of electric devices found in the Red Pig included a heavy duty electric range, a 100 gallon electric hot water tank, an electric refrigerator and freezer, and a wide selection of electric appliances. They even had an electric cash register - and a jukebox. This photograph was taken in January of 1938. The restaurant re-opened in October of 1938, under the new management of Joe and Bernice Fox. (TDL 5/23/1937 p.B-9; T. Times 10/26/1938, pg. 7)

Red Pig Restaurant (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1930-1940;

ca. 1938. "Red Pig," under new management of Joe, behind counter left, and Bernice, right, Fox. It's about eight minutes to twelve and the counter seats are filled with customers being waited on. The "Red Pig" has recently reopened under new management after being remodeled. It is located on the Tacoma-Seattle Highway, about 1/2 mile east of Fife. (T. Times 10/26/1938, pg. 7) (filed with Argentum)

Red Pig Restaurant (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1930-1940; Restaurant workers; Fox, Bernice; Fox, Joe;

ca. 1938. The "Red Pig" restaurant's kitchen is the scene for this photograph. The restaurant was under new management. The management team was composed of Joe Fox, at the grill, and Bernice Fox, getting food from the refrigerator. The restaurant was located on (now) Hwy. 99, about half a mile past Fife. It was noted for its modern "all electric" kitchen. The specialties of the house were steak and chicken dinners, although the new management was emphasizing hamburgers. (T. Times 10/26/1938, pg. 7) (filed with Argentum)

Red Pig Restaurant (Fife); Restaurants--Fife--1930-1940; Restaurant workers; Fox, Bernice; Fox, Joe;

Max Frolic's, a distinctively modern "Dreamhouse" diner opened on May 26, 1938, on old Highway 99 in Lakewood. Max Frolic and William Thornburg, owners of the popular Art-deco-style roadside restaurant, provided service 24-hours a day. Frolic, a violinist and orchestra/band leader, decorated the interior with autographed photographs of show business and sports stars. Current owners call the place "Maxie's". Ordered by Johnson Cox Company. (TNT, 5/25/1938, p. 9). (filed with Argentum)

Restaurants--Lakewood--1930-1940; Max Frolic's Restaurant (Lakewood);

Cascade Room restaurant - Bon Marche. Sliding wood-paneled doors are partially opened to reveal a small lobby leading to the Cascade Room restaurant found within the Bon Marche. An assortment of modern furniture including black leather chairs can be glimpsed inside the restaurant which contain polished walnut paneled walls and brass wall sconces. A cocktail lounge and Corner House snack shop was included. Johnny Maddox would be the first performer in the Cascade Room Lounge once the Bon Marche opened at the Tacoma Mall Shopping Center in early August, 1964. Located on the lower level, direct entrance was also possible from the parking lot even when the rest of the store had closed. (TNT Ad 7-31-64, p. 21, TNT 8-2-64, B-6)

Bon Marche (Tacoma); Department stores--Tacoma--1960-1970; Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices); Sconces;

Three can-can dancers in fishnets, ruffles and plumes, entertain at Steve's Gay '90s in May, 1966. They included Connie and Callie Mernaugh. Steve's, a South Tacoma fixture for decades, offered good food and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Floor shows, including the above dancers and rollicking piano tunes, were suitable for the entire family. Steve's would be marking its 17th anniversary with a new show, "World of Burlesque" with performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 6-16-66, D-11)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma; Costumes; Mernaugh, Callie; Mernaugh, Connie;

Two can-can dancers on stage at Steve's Gay '90s. Dressed in plumes, fishnet stockings, and ruffled costumes, the dancers were part of Steve's famous floor shows which provided family-oriented entertainment for its diners. Pamella Conner and Vickie Conner were part of a new trio of dancers who replaced the dancing Mernaugh sisters, Connie (Moisio) and Callie (Matthews) and Hazel Gjerde. The Mernaughs had been performing at Steve's for 14 years. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 11-9-67, D-11, TNT 12-22-67, p. 20)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Conner, Pamella; Conner, Vickie; Costumes;

Open kitchen area at the new Harbor Lights restaurant. The restaurant was opened in February of 1959 by noted Tacoma restaurateur Anton Barcott. Barcott had formerly operated the renowned California Oyster House, opened in 1919 by his father John Barcott Sr. Due to a lack of parking and limited seating space, Barcott had closed the Oyster House after 40 years of operation and chosen this waterfront location. Located 3 blocks north of the Old Tacoma Dock, the main portion of the restaurant was built over the waters of Commencement Bay with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade range. It could seat over 100 and had ample free parking. A 60 foot dock was planned for construction before the summer with moorage for boats. All food preparation was performed in the pictured all electric kitchen in eye view of all patrons. The kitchen also contained a charcoal broiler pit, enabling the restaurant to offer BBQ meats, fish and chicken in addition to seafood. Anton and his daughter LaMoyne (Mrs. John) Hreha represented the third and fourth generation of food catering. Anton was the son of the Oyster House founder John Barcott Sr. and the grandson of famed Yugoslavian inn keepers. Anton started in the business at 12 years of age as a dishwasher and apprenticed to his father for 12 years before taking over the reins of the business in 1946. Photograph ordered by Vermiculite Manufacturing Co. (TNT 2/17/1959, pg. 4-5)

Harbor Lights (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

ca. 1959. Steve's Gay Nineties restaurant. This is believed to be the entrance to the restaurant conglomerate. The intricately carved wooden panel to the right came from the recently demolished County Courthouse. A cardboard cutout of Steve's famous can can dancers sits atop the panel. To the left rear is a piano, that also appears to have percussion equipment located at the bottom. This is believed to be the "Orchestron," originally from the Red Front Saloon, and located in the lobby of Steve's. The hand carved, hardwood instrument could play drums, cymbals, chimes, mandolin, organ and xylophone music. Steve's was divided into five restaurant areas, the Golden Era Cafe, the Cable Car Room, the Opera House (with the floorshow), the Gay Nineties Smorgasbord (with the fringed surrey seating) and the Memory Lane Banquet Room. They were celebrating their 10th year in the restaurant and entertainment business. (TNT 11/26/1959, pg D-2 - D-3)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior of Cliff House Restaurant. Large windows of the Cliff House provide its patrons with outstanding views to complement the restaurant's fine cuisine. Built originally as a tavern in 1925, it was later operated by Buz Erhart & Frank Gillihan. The restaurant was remodeled and rebuilt after a 1958 fire by Houston "Hugh" Odum Smith.

Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

The Cliff House restaurant at 6300 Marine View Drive N.E. still has the same commanding view of Commencement Bay and Tacoma's skyline as it did in February, 1960 when this photograph was taken. It was originally built by W.R. "Bill" Keyes in 1925 as the Cliff House Tavern. That building burned to the ground in 1958 when a beach fire got out of control and the flames spread up the bluff. Hugh O. Smith purchased the property and built a new Cliff House (the one shown here), but instead of a tavern, he built a restaurant. The building has been remodeled several times, first in 1977 and again in 1988.

Cliff House Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Exterior of Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In. Directional arrows guide hungry customers to the Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In on February 16, 1961. This was the second Busch's restaurant in the Tacoma area; the first was the longtime establishment famous for its car hops located on South Tacoma Way. Busch's Sixth Avenue was designed by Percy G. Ball and built in 1960. It featured covered parking and walkway along with dine-in service. TPL-5805

Busch's Sixth Avenue Drive-In Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1960-1970; Signs (Notices);

In February of 1959, the Original Pancake House, located in Lakewood at 3701 Steilacoom Blvd, was prepared to celebrate its grand opening after extensive remodeling. The restaurant was owned by Roy Rosenthal, Jr., and Morris Plotkin and was franchised through Smitty's Pancake House in Seattle. The building itself had been there since 1930 and was the former home of Pucci's Inn. There were eighteen varieties of pancakes always available. There were actually 120 kinds of pancakes on the list and the restaurant rotated its selection regularly. All pancakes were individually prepared and made from fresh ingredients. The owners did not use prepared mixes. The Original Pancake House was so confident of its cooking that it publicly announced a money-back guarantee if the diner was not satisfied. (TNT 2-13-59, p. 9)

Original Pancake House (Lakewood); Restaurants--Lakewood--1950-1960; Electric signs--Lakewood;

The grand opening of Primo Gasparetti's newly remodeled Wagon Wheel restaurant at 8602 South Tacoma Way was held June 18-21, 1958. The redecorated and expanded building now had room for 350 people, up from 50, and two well-lighted and well-patrolled parking lots. "Corky" Corcoran and his four-piece band supplied dancing music six nights a week. Primo Gasparetti owned several businesses on or near the same lot near the city limits of Tacoma on the 8600 block of South Tacoma Way. One year later in July of 1959 the Play Boy Cabaret, operated by Jimmy Carbone, opened at this location. (Photograph ordered by Primo's Wagon Wheel.) (TNT 6-18-58, B-2, B-3)

Primo's Wagon Wheel (Lakewood); Bars--Lakewood; Signs (Notices); Facades--Lakewood--1950-1960;

In 1958, Anton's Restaurant was located in the venerable Roberts-Parker Building at 11th and Tacoma Avenue South, across the street from the Tacoma Public Library. It was owned and operated by Tony and Mary Anton. This view of Anton's interior shows a long, curved lunch counter with a chef and waitress ready for customers. Tony Anton is the chef by his grill and his wife Mary is seated across the counter from him. There are four women are seated at upholstered booths. There is an Arden's Milk clock mounted on the colorful wallpaper. Anton's was later succeeded by Siri's Restaurant and then Kelly's at the same location. After extensive remodeling, the SideBar Bistro opened in this building in June of 2010. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Anton's Restaurant (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1950-1960; Anton, Tony; Anton, Mary;

Bar area of The Old Spaghetti Factory. Turn-of-the-century memorabilia was found in abundance within The Old Spaghetti Factory, located in the 1700 block of Jefferson Ave. The restaurant itself was located in a 1904-vintage building, former home to the Tacoma Biscuit & Candy Co. and the Blake, Moffitt, & Towne warehouse. Included among various antiques was the 24-foot oak bar and backbar from the Savoy Hotel, then 75 years old. in addition, booths and benches were made from old bed stands. The Old Spaghetti Factory, opened on July 19, 1971, had a floor space of 10,000 square feet and could seat 200 diners. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory. (TNT 7-18-71, B-7 - article on opening of restaurant) TPL-6394

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Bars (Furniture)--Tacoma;

Interior view of The Old Spaghetti Factory, possibly lobby area. Diners at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1731-37 Jefferson Ave., could relax on turn-of-the-century styled chairs and couches while waiting to be seated. A quaint white gazebo, pictured above in this January, 1973, photograph, appears to have contained a bar, with casks of beer. Color photograph ordered by The Old Spaghetti Factory.

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Street railroads--Tacoma;

Three smiling ladies are looking forward to their meal at Papa John's in April of 1973. A waitress, dressed in flowery tunic and shorts, is prepared to take their orders. This is not part of the Papa John's pizza chain as that was not founded until 1984. Photograph ordered by LoMac.

Papa John's; Restaurants; Restaurant workers; Waitresses;

Unidentified restaurant in Des Moines photographed in December of 1978. A customer is placing an order with the restaurant's cashier as others dine peacefully. This is possibly a restaurant called the Pie Pantry where cut pies, ala mode, and whole pies to go could be purchased. Apparently other, more meatier dishes could be obtained as well as the condiments on the surrounding tables attest. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Restaurants--Des Moines;

Restaurant in unidentified Mall. This may be a quick dining establishment called "Kitchen Burgers" as pictured in December of 1978. A partial glimpse into the restaurant shows a number of booths adjoining the bumped-out windows and separate tables within. Earth tones of copper and ivory are found both on the interior and exterior of the restaurant. Color photograph ordered by S & W Management.

Restaurants;

Can-can girls at Steve's Gay '90s. A staple at the South Tacoma restaurant, Steve's Gay '90s, was the trio of can-can dancers in full costume. Joining the newest members on June 2, 1970, was Hazel Gjerde (r) who had danced at Steve's for 14 years before retirement. This picture was used in the News Tribune large ad on June 18th to advertise Steve's 3-day celebration entitled "Good Ol' Days." The Gay 90s Revue would feature 25 entertainers, free noisemakers and free hats. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. TPL-8254 (TNT ad 6-18-70, C-17)

Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Dancers--Tacoma; Entertainers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Gjerde, Hazel;