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;

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. Dick and Gwyne Bevington pose behind the counter with a large congratulatory flower arrangement in this May 29, 1940 photograph. Triple XXX Root Beer barrel dispenser in background. The Bevingtons had the restaurant constructed at a cost of $29,000 and actually resided in an apartment on the premises.

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

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. View of kitchen area, four cooks in white uniforms, equipment and utensils, customers at counter visible through food pass out windows. The kitchen was advertised as having the latest in modern equipment and round the clock service. The chief cook was Ray Seger, assisted by Joe M. Powell and Dale Porter. [photographs taken 5/28-30/1940) (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma);

Dick Bevington's new Triple X Barrel drive-in restaurant. View of kitchen area, four cooks in white uniforms, equipment and utensils, customers at counter visible through food pass out windows. Triple XXX referred to the brand of root beer served in the restaurant. The modern, all electric kitchen was run by chief cook Ray Seger, assisted by Joe M. Powell and Dale Porter. [photographs taken 5/28-30/1940) (T. Times 6/4/1940, pg. 7)

Fast food restaurants--Tacoma; Bevington's Triple XXX Root Beer Restaurant (Tacoma);

Kruger's Triple XXX Root Beer Barrel drive-in restaurant in South Tacoma. On June 4, 1941, six young carhops in uniforms and boots lined up in front of the building with neon signs on cornice and giant root beer barrels on roof. There are automobiles parked in front of restaurant which was owned and operated by Frank J. Kruger. It had celebrated its grand opening in October of 1936. The drive-in was sold to Bill and Thelma Busch in 1943 and became familiarly known as Busch's Round Table Restaurant.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Triple XXX Barrel (Tacoma); Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Six carhops wearing capes with gold braid, short skirts and white cowboy boots served the cars in front of Kruger's Triple XXX Root Beer Barrel drive-in at 3505 South Tacoma Way in June of 1941. Frank J. Kruger opened his new Triple XXX Barrel restaurant in October 1936 with free root beer to one and all. He came west with a Triple XXX Barrel franchise in August of 1931 and had opened at a smaller location. The new building was 55' x 41' with both booths and stools indoors. There was room in their parking lot for at least 300 cars. In 1943 the building was purchased by Bill and Thelma Busch and became Busch's Drive-In.(T.Times, 10/23/1936)

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Triple XXX Barrel (Tacoma); Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1941. A carhop served a foaming mug of Root Beer to a "woody" station wagon at the Kruger's Triple XXX Root Beer Barrel drive-in restaurant in South Tacoma. Frank J, Kruger had opened at this location in 1936. If car service was not for you, the restaurant also had booths and stools indoors.

Drive-in restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Triple XXX Barrel (Tacoma); Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Pop Reed at banquet held in his honor at Rau's Chicken Diner. Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp.

Restaurants--Graham; Banquets--Graham--1940-1950; Rau's Club (Graham);

Banquet for "Pop" Reed at Rau's Chicken Diner. Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp.

Restaurants--Graham; Banquets--Graham--1940-1950; Group portraits; Rau's Club (Graham);

Banquet for "Pop" Reed at Rau's Chicken Diner. Pop Reed center in dark suit. Seattle Tacoma Shipbuilding Corp.

Restaurants--Graham; Banquets--Graham--1940-1950; Group portraits; Rau's Club (Graham);

Interior of Bar-B-Q Inn at Tillicum. Made for Pabst salesman. Three men, one is a soldier or marine, sitting on bar stools. Woman behind bar. Bottles of Pabst beer displayed.

Bar-B-Q Inn (Lakewood); Beer--Eating & drinking; Diners (Restaurants)--Lakewood;

At 10 till 1 on a hot day in July of 1942, it's time for a cold refreshing Pabst Blue Ribbon beer. Two business men and a soldier wait their turn to be served by the waitress at the Bar-B-Q Inn, Lakewood. Bottles of Pabst beer are on the counter, but the cooler behind also contains Rainier and Canadian Club. Pabst under a variety of owners has been brewing beer since 1840. Photograph ordered by Pabst.

Bar-B-Q Inn (Lakewood); Beer--Eating & drinking; Diners (Restaurants)--Lakewood;

Reopening of Central Cafe, for Nick A. (Vic) Zvolis. The "Sagebrush Racketeers," two men and two women in Western outfits, with a guitar and a bass, on stage. "Kitty" box for tips at right.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Reopening of the Central Cafe, for Nick A. "Vic" Zvolis. Mr. Zvolis, the owner, is standing behind the counter on the right in this October 24, 1942, photograph. To the left of Mr. Zvolis are four women and two other men, probably employees. Mr. Zvolis was widely known in wrestling circles as a former competitor and a referee.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Zvolis, Nick;

Reopening of the Central Cafe, for Nick A. "Vic" Zvolis. Mr. Zvolis, the owner, is standing behind the counter on the right. To the left of Mr. Zvolis are four women and one other man, probably employees. Mr. Zvolis was widely known in wrestling circles as a former performer and a referee.

Central Cafe (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Zvolis, Nick;

Six uniformed waitresses pose with a woman in a dark dress at the Husk Cafe, 1211 Pacific Ave., in January of 1943. The women wear little caps, almost like a small nurses cap, pinned in their hair.

Husk Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The cooks and waitresses of the Husk Cafe at 1211 Pacific Avenue posed at 3:30 pm on January 25, 1943 following the lunch hour rush. They are standing behind the lunch counter with its miniature juke box selectors. Mrs. C. Isabelle Hardwick and Thomas C. Hardwick opened the Husk in 1934. According to a posted sign under the clock, customers could not get counter service unless they were prepared to spend at least 10 cents. For 20 cents, you could get a bowl of hot chili or some pie and ice cream to go with your coffee. The Husk Cafe closed in the late 1950s.

Husk Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waitresses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cooks; Counters;

Three of the cooks at the Husk Cafe pose with a man in a suit, believed to be Thomas C. Hardwick, owner.

Husk Cafe (Tacoma); Cafes--Tacoma--1940-1950; Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cooks;

In August of 1943, the new Antlers Tavern, owned by Jeo E. Andreo, opened at 1142 Pacific Avenue. The original Antlers Tavern, located at the intersection of the Mountain highway and the county highway road, was destroyed by fire on February 4, 1943. The 60 foot long bar in the new tavern was one of the longest in the city. Several mounted deer's heads are hung on the wall above the back of the bar. The man standing at the right behind the bar is believed to be Joe Andreo.(T.Times, 8/9/1943, p.9)

Bars--Tacoma--1940-1950; Antlers Tavern (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. End cup of coffee rationing. A smiling waitress happily holds a trayful of coffee mugs as her co-worker begins to fill them for waiting customers in this circa 1943 photograph. WWll saw many shortages for common items as Americans learned to be patient and abide by federal rationing regulations. (T. Times).

Restaurant workers--1940-1950; Coffee; Coffee cups; Consumer rationing--1940-1950;

ca. 1943. Rudder Club, Mr. Avge. Interior of dining room with tables and chairs, doorways leading into additional seating. Floral wallpaper, a figured carpet draperies and lighting add to the ambiance.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. Rudder Club, Mr. Avge. Photograph of the interior of the Club, showing the restaurant counter with the kitchen seen through the doorway at the rear. Floral wallpaper, a figured carpet and gleaming linoleum are also shown. Coffee pots are at the ready and the cash register is, too. The Club facilities included a restaurant, bar and club room and lounge. (TNT 8/26/1943, pg. 19)

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma);

ca. 1943. Rudder Club, Mr. Avge. Two cooks in the kitchen, one at the griddle. Large pots, baskets, bowls, and utensils are also shown.

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Restaurant workers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rudder Club, Inc. (Tacoma); Kitchens--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The entrance to the Olympus Cafe at the Olympus Hotel showing the stairway down from Pacific Avenue and the lobby. The newly opened "Olympus Cafe" and Supper Club, located in the Olympus Hotel, is celebrating their grand opening. Bert Sundegren, owner, stated it is "Tacoma's newest and Washington's finest" restaurant. The location had large columns, a tile floor and ornate chandeliers. TPL-6421

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Olympus Cafe (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

Pianist Bert Kool (far right) led the distinctive quartet of musicians who provided dance music at the grand opening of the Olympus Cafe and Supper Club in August of 1944. The new club opened on August 12, 1944, and was located directly below the Olympus Hotel, 815 Pacific Avenue, in what was then the heart of Tacoma's civic center. Bert Sundgren, the new owner, stated it was "Tacoma's newest and Washington's finest" restaurant and pledged dance music nightly with no cover charge. The saxophone player has been identified as Gus DeBock, a lifetime member of the Musicians Union. The last dance he played was with his band, Gus DeBock and the Fabulous 4, on August 9, 1991, two months before his death. (T. Times, 8/11/44, p. 11-article; T.Times, 8-12-44, p. 3-photograph used in ad). (Additional identification and information provided by a reader) TPL-10200

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Olympus Cafe (Tacoma); Kool, Bert; DeBock, Gus; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950;

The newly opened "Olympus Cafe" and Supper Club, located in the Olympus Hotel, is celebrating their grand opening. Lettering on the column at the back of the room reads, "Activian Room". Draperies are open showing another room beyond. TPL-6422

Restaurants--Tacoma--1940-1950; Olympus Cafe (Tacoma); Olympus Hotel (Tacoma);

The Steak House and No. End Tavern, exterior.

Diners (Restaurants)--Tacoma; Steak House (Tacoma); Restaurants--Tacoma;

The staff of The Steak House posed for this photogragh on March 24, 1945 shortly after it expanded by taking over an adjoining building. The Steak House was located at 2622-24 No. Proctor, across the street from the Proctor (now Blue Mouse) Theater. At the time this picture was taken, it was owned by Ted Clark. It closed in the mid-50s.

Restaurant workers--Tacoma; Restaurants--Tacoma; Waitresses--Tacoma; Cooks; Uniforms; Steak House (Tacoma);