In the 1920's there was the Dairy Lunch; in the 40's there was Louie's; in the 60's we had Schoppe's Cafe; in the 80's there was the Redwood. How about today? What has been your favorite Jefferson restaurant now, or in the past?
'70's & '80's Redwood hands down. Retro "Rat Pack" feel. Food and cocktails to match. Luckily I got to know John Brown and have his prime rib recipe. I make it at Christmas every year. The only thing missing is Betty Kuebler or Becky Richardson tending bar.
When I think of restaurants in Jefferson, a couple of things stand out. First, in the 1960's, the Truck Haven Cafe (run by Bill Schoppe) used to be extremely popular. I remember times when there were lines of people outside the front door stretching to the parking lot. They were waiting for tables to empty so that they could get in and have a seat. Later Cleta ran the place and the quality and patronage were still phenomenal. Previously Cleta had her own restaurant on South Wilson. She was apparently known for her onion rings.
The other interesting thing I remember was Jefferson's first foray into the McDonald's-style fast food eatery. The Deusyburger opened up in the building that would later become the Family Table restaurant, and currently is home to a Mexican place. The front window of the cafe featured a 30's model Duesenburg automobile on display. Quite unique.
Hopefully our resident archivist, Braxton Hicks, will enter this thread and give us the low down on some good old Jefferson places to eat. I have several more, but would prefer to give others the first chance to chime in.
Ditto on the Dueseyburger. The Deusey Deluxe took a shot at the Big Mac. Sundays after church was huge for Broasted Chicken. That place was PACKED!! I miss the pinball machines out front.
How about the Wayside Cafe? Or Mae's Cafe (located across from the hospital)? Jefferson's history abounds with restaurants that didn't make it.
Some of these unfortunate places were national chains. Pizza Hut, Hardee's, the A and W, the Pizza Ranch, and the Maid-Rite were all large chains that tried and failed at one time or another in Jtown.
Others were just locally-owned endeavors, like the Lunch Box, the B and E, the 4N, and Cleta's Cafe.
It is also an interesting challenge to name all of the soda fountains that sprung up around town in years past. Braxton Hicks informs me that there were several. Tucker Pharmacy, Louie's, Potter Drug, Shuey's Rexall, the B and E, and the Dutch Mill all had fountains, I think. There were more, I'm sure.
In visiting with the Mrs yesterday, I decided there isnt a bar type eatery in this town I would darken the door of. Larrys? No thanks. Goods? I am certain the furniture,mural, and aquarium all have years on me. Not that I dont like nostalgia, but no place in town is really a destination location. Its very unfortunate. Im no better than anyone else in Jtown, but the patrons of both those bars are frightening to many.
I have to agree with you, anon. I wouldn't take my wife to those locales for dinner - although I would spend a few bucks after work over a drink or two there.
It has been a while since there was a nice restaurant or two in the Jefferson area.
True and true regarding Larry's and Wet Goods. Unfortunate but understandable. They both rely on those "patrons" to fill the chairs and the register throughout the week in order to squeeze out a profit once the weekend crowd files in. Without the regulars they couldn't make it. Again, unfortunate but understandable.
Jefferson just isn't big enough for a nice bar/restaurant. Sad truth.
When Hardee's came to Jefferson in the 1980's, they tried to purchase land along North Elm on which to build. One local property owner refused to sell - forcing Hardee's to erect a tall fence blocking the view from his location.
That was right during the era when Jefferson was still growing although it seems that some locals were more worried about keeping things the way they were.
When the population base grew older, fast food joints such as the A & W and Duesyburger switched their formats over to accomodate an older clientele. Others, like the 4N, went out of business.
It is hard for restaurants to make a go of it in the Jefferson area, where a lot of people are old-fashioned and consider spending a few bucks at a restaurant a luxury and won't part with their money that easily.
Our resident archivist, Braxton Hicks, is researching this topic right now, as we speak. He'll be posting a brief history of restaurants in the area. I know there are some that very little information exists on. For example, the Dairy Lunch appears to have been located along the south side of the square in the 20's, but by the 30's it had been replaced by the more-familiar Gilmore Cafe.
I can't find much on the Dutch Mill or Mae's Cafe. The B and E was located on South Wilson across from the old Super Valu. Braxton should also be able to fill us in on Cleta's Cafe on South Wilson, as well as her restaurant at the truck stop.
Younger Jefferson readers will probably be surprised by the number of eateries the town was able to support.
According to the 2000 census, the median household income for Jefferson was $32,818. That's not very much money. People with that income can't afford to dine out often.
I think the era of dining out in Jefferson is over. This website would do Jefferson more good by offering a recipe section and suggesting ways to eat healthy while pinching pennies at the same time.
WOW ! Where do I start. I really like the new layout of the Jefferson Blog pages.
There have been so many restaurants through the years that I can remember. While I am not old enough to remember Mae’s restaurant, I do remember the Dutch Mill which was built by F.P. Cudahy for his son-in-law Yates Dalbey located at 201 E. Harrison. It was upscale and had great ice cream, a good place for birthday parties, with a juke box.
Another Ice Cream shop was the “The Cottage,” operated by Dean “Timer” and Georgia Hayes. It was at 223 S. Wilson. Later it was called the B & E. Bert & Eleanor Shuett ran it with their children Roger & Sheri. It was a good after school hang-out.
Now we have the Twinns Shop, 111 W. Lincolnway, for both ice cream as well as sandwiches, owned by Doug Meinecke as is Breadeaux Pizza. It is only open during the summer.
The A&W Drive-In had root beer floats, but broasted chicken, hamburgers, sandwiches, onion rings and so much more. It had many owners through the years with the last being Tom & Gina [Coon] Herrington. It was located on East Lincolnway. I think they delivered meals on skates at one time, later the intercom by the car to take the orders. It was expanded inside having booths as well.
Across the street for many years was the Dairy Queen which had many owners and more recently in new digs at 507 N. Elm. I’m sure this had nothing to do with the Dairy Lunch of the 20’s in the 100 block of E. Lincolnway.
Picture the Home State ATM machine which was the location of Dairy Sweet, run by June McPherson. Later in the same location I got broasted chicken. Do you remember the huge chicken on the roof? It was owned by Pat and Gerald Harrah. Later I got my broasted chicken in the sit down deli at Jim Schleisman’s Food store at 205 W. McKinley.
Later in the current HSB ATM spot Darrell Blackburn in a white washed cement block building, used the original Saba recipe to create delicious donuts. Later it became Randy Bunker’s Dunkers prior to their move to 119 N. Chestnut. This is slightly North of where Saba had his bakery at 109 N. Chestnut which later housed Ace Pizza, serving steak and chicken as well, with the Greek influence of Deano Constantine.
Bud & Arlene Nelson started the “4-N Drive In” on North Elm with their children Brad and Rande. It featured a red and white exterior located on Gallup Road. It reminded me of major hamburger chains. I think it may have had a drive up window.
Everyone who is 70+ remembers Louie’s Candy Kitchen operated by Louie Tronchetti. It had the best chocolates, a full soda fountain as well as sandwiches and open for many hours daily located at 102 N. Wilson. A hang-out for all ages.
National chains included Pizza Hut, Subway and Hardee’s which was short-lived due to its corporate owners as well as hiring practices.
There has never been a shortage of Pizza locations in Jefferson, past and present. Breadeaux Pizza, Pizza Ranch, Casey’s, Excuses, former Hardee’s location at 300 N. Elm, which has subs as well.
It’s nice to see bar/restaurants that have longevity such as Wet Goods operated by Dave Redfern, Larry’s operated by Larry Most and Gold Carpet lounge, operated by Mike and Barb Wilt which was at 118A S. Chestnut. Just closed was Carl’s Last Draw Saloon which was reputed to have topless dancers for a while. Previously I remember it was Peacock’s Tavern, Velda’s Tap, Horse Collar Saloon, Carl’s Bad Tavern, as well as a number of other names. In the final days it was owned by the late Iris Constantine.
One of the best early downtown restaurants was Schoppe Cafe. It was at 108 E. State operated by Emmett & Neva Schoppe and later their son Bill. It had a full menu and could rival the later Redwood restaurant for good food and fast service.
One of the finest supper clubs was the Redwood Restaurant, 211 E. Gallup road, built at the same time as the motel by Cecil Flack. It was originally operated by Bill Hannah who had a full menu with specialties of biscuits and honey, the best pies, prime rib, steaks, chicken and fish. After Bill Hannah retired, Mabel and her son Jon Brown ran a first class restaurant for many years, expanding the building in size, again with a great menu and Mabel’s finest Prime Rib. Bill Schoppe ran it for a brief time moving from Schaal’s Texaco restaurant at 606 Highway 30 East. Then another owner finally was successful in closing it. It was a far cry from the original Redwood.
Cleta Lawton ran Schaal’s restaurant. Cleta always ran a fine establishment. It later was owned by the Truck Haven chain. Cleta had operated her restaurant at 118 S. Wilson, later ran the restaurant at the country club, before going with Schaal’s. She was succeed by Jo Bartley who with her family ran the country club dining room for many years.
Worthy of mention in the 80’s was the Lincoln House on the second floor of Lincoln Square with their Rail Splitter bar. It had fine stemware, beautiful dishes plus a full menu and my favorite appetizer onion rings. It was operated by the Bud Richards/Tom Tucker family. Located downstairs was “The Copper Penny,” a sandwich shop operated during the day by daughter Kim Richards. Due to the financial ramifications of the 80’s farm crisis the complex wasn’t in business long enough.
I remember that there was a good restaurant in the early 50’s at the airport. It was run by Hap Dusenberry and had the finest Hash Browns I’ve ever tasted with butter oozing out on the plate. Since I was young I don’t remember the full menu, but was extensive.
Hap Dusenberry was not connected with the fast food restaurant called the Duseyburger which had a Duesenberg car on display for a brief time. Later it became the Bee Hive run by Dale & Fran Washburn, then the Family Table. Now housed in that location at 1409 N. Elm is CASA de ORO Mexican restaurant, a nice addition.
I enjoy the smoked pulled pork/turkey sandwiches at Bett & Bev’s BBQ at 901 N. Elm, where the peaked roof disappeared when Pizza Hut left town. It is run by the Glawe family of Paton. Their motto: “Smoked Slow, Served Fast.” Their hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on the weekend. It’s worth abiding by their hours!
The Peony Chinese restaurant is favorite of many people at 101 E. Lincolnway. The family runs Excuses as well. Fran Teagarden, a home economics teacher from Grand Junction started the “Tea Garden,” 100 E. State, now run by Angie Lansman of Rippey.
There have always been several restaurants in the downtown area. Roy & Mary Jane operated the Gilmore Cafe at 109 E. Lincolnway. Mary opened her “Tea Room” for parties at 118 S. Wilson which formerly housed Cleta Lawton’s restaurant. The Maid-Rite cafe at 115 West Lincolnway. It was a busy little restaurant with the patented “Maid Rite” loose meat sandwiches, specials each day, along with hamburgers and pork tenderloins. It had about 3-4 booths and a lunch counter. It always seemed to be a money maker for owners such as Al Sorenson, [father of Bill of Athletic fame] the Anderson family, Bill & Eleanor Lyon, Jack Ure, Bob Parker are some of the owners I remember. It was later moved without the Maid Rite franchise to 108 West State. The building owner Joe Davis remodeled the location and it later was expanded East to a double front. It operates as the Uptown Cafe. I don’t recall all the owners but do remember Beth Shelley and I understand it is now operated by a Mr. Hougham. They serve breakfast & lunch daily, Sunday brunch and evening dinners on Friday and Saturday.
Another downtown restaurant was called, “The Lunch Box,” at 105 E. Lincolnway. It had several owner/operators including Jim Ball, Lorraine Beazor, Pat Baugh, Bonnie Steinfadt and Mary Russell. Lincolnway Grill, 505 E. Lincolnway was operated for several years by Phil Sloan’s daughter. Robin Conner, for a brief time, operated a restaurant at the Racoon Valley Golf Course at 501 W. Greenway Road.
Let us think about Drug Store/Pharmacy soda fountains. Ralph & Gertrude Potter’s Drug Store, 100 N. Wilson, with the soda fountain run by Mary Marchant, later purchased by Harold Woodruff who removed it in about 1960. Frank Tucker’s Pharmacy, 119 E. Lincolnway, was a wonderful soda fountain for many more years, furnishing donuts from Saba’s as well as fountain drinks, coffee and malts. Well known was a special drink called the “Yeasto,” at John Shuey’s Rexall Drug Store, 104 E. State. Later it was Rolf Solbach’s Pharmacy, then Ralph Potter’s brother, Roy & Fern Potter with friends, Mr. & Mrs. Del Bauer operated a drug store. Del had been a long time barber in town.
While not full time, restaurant food is served at the Elks Lodge, Ram Restaurant, and Hospital Cafeteria. One cannot forget snacks such as the popcorn stands. Clara DeWitt owned and Zelma Shriver was her helper at 100 E. Lincolnway. Jim Pollock ran a stand in the alley on the West side of the Square. Dennis Power had a stand on the NE corner of the square. Of course, you could always get your popcorn and candy at the Iowa, now Sierra Theatre.
I hope these places will bring back lots of memories. Can you think of any food establishments that I missed? I would love to hear about them.
Unbelievable. After reading Braxton's extensive listings, you come away feeling like you have learned all there is to know about Jefferson area restaurants.
Wrong again!
I would like to challenge Mr. Hicks to talk about Del's Drive-In, on east highway 30, the Fireside Inn, at 303 West McKinley, Gilroy's (North Elm), the Wayside Cafe, at 505 East Lincolnway, Chew & Chat Cafe, located at 700 East Lincolnway, Hazel's Cafe, at 206 East Lincolnway, Kinnan's Cafe on North Elm, Lane's (at 102 North Wilson), Lindy's Cafe, at 410 West McKinley, or the U & I Cafe, which featured steaks, chops, seafood, and made their own pastries - all at 213 North Wilson!
Rick: What a challenge ~ I think the Fireside Inn at 303 W. McKinley was run by Micki Blasnitz, perhaps others. I remember it being a restaurant as well as a bar. Everyone knew Gladys Kinnan as being a good short order cook and ran a good drinking establishment as well. Her location was in the neighborhood of Harrison RV’s, 1200 N. Elm.
Gilroy’s ran more businesses than Carter had “little liver pills.” They had everything from carpet cleaning to taking over Ralph Morris’s home furnishings downtown, to Gilroy’s restaurant with burgers and fries to new & used furniture plus antiques at 402 W. Stanford, which Juanita Gilroy is advertising today.
After Louie retired Kyb Razz who ran a bottling works in the 100 block of South Chestnut, took over the operation of Louie’s Candy Kitchen. Norman Lane ran it for awhile and I think there was one other owner before it closed permanently at 102 N. Wilson.
Hazel's Cafe may have been in the back of the tavern at 206 W. Lincolnway; U & I Cafe, may have been in the Jefferson Hotel as their address was 213 North Wilson! I don’t remember the Chew & Chat Cafe nor Del’s Drive In. Was that run by Del Zwicky?
After talking with Braxton, we came to the conclusion that Del's Drive-In was the previous name of the more-recent 4N Drive-In north of town. The Chew & Chat Cafe was located across from the fairgrounds for a brief time and may have been associated with Quirk's Cabins which was along there. Lindy's Cafe was adjacent to the bowling alley when it was located along McKinley.
Now let's try these -
The Buttercup Cafe (700 East Lincolnway), Home Cafe (102 North Wilson), Tiny's Cafe (on North Elm), Dad's Diner (105A East Lincolnway), The 11th Frame Lounge (on South Elm), and G & M Deli and Restaurant?
Ace's Pizza was a favorite, along with the A and W, where you could get great malts and that super, icy-cold root beer in a frosty mug on those hot summer days.
I always enjoyed the food court set up at the Jefferson Cemetery on Memorial Day. The pot stickers and sushi were always great, only to be followed by all those farm wives cooking up fried chicken and their homemade mashed potatoes and gravy. Another thing I'll never forget about that is the Scranton wives coming over with hot beef sandwiches and homemade ice cream.
25 comments:
'70's & '80's Redwood hands down. Retro "Rat Pack" feel. Food and cocktails to match. Luckily I got to know John Brown and have his prime rib recipe. I make it at Christmas every year. The only thing missing is Betty Kuebler or Becky Richardson tending bar.
Growing up in Jefferson, the place to eat was Ace's Pizza. They had really good pizzas and an excellent catfish dinner.
When I think of restaurants in Jefferson, a couple of things stand out. First, in the 1960's, the Truck Haven Cafe (run by Bill Schoppe) used to be extremely popular. I remember times when there were lines of people outside the front door stretching to the parking lot. They were waiting for tables to empty so that they could get in and have a seat. Later Cleta ran the place and the quality and patronage were still phenomenal. Previously Cleta had her own restaurant on South Wilson. She was apparently known for her onion rings.
The other interesting thing I remember was Jefferson's first foray into the McDonald's-style fast food eatery. The Deusyburger opened up in the building that would later become the Family Table restaurant, and currently is home to a Mexican place. The front window of the cafe featured a 30's model Duesenburg automobile on display. Quite unique.
Hopefully our resident archivist, Braxton Hicks, will enter this thread and give us the low down on some good old Jefferson places to eat. I have several more, but would prefer to give others the first chance to chime in.
Ditto on the Dueseyburger. The Deusey Deluxe took a shot at the Big Mac. Sundays after church was huge for Broasted Chicken. That place was PACKED!! I miss the pinball machines out front.
The Maid Rite was the best.
Fried catfish at Ace's was really most excellent. I agree.
How about the Wayside Cafe? Or Mae's Cafe (located across from the hospital)? Jefferson's history abounds with restaurants that didn't make it.
Some of these unfortunate places were national chains. Pizza Hut, Hardee's, the A and W, the Pizza Ranch, and the Maid-Rite were all large chains that tried and failed at one time or another in Jtown.
Others were just locally-owned endeavors, like the Lunch Box, the B and E, the 4N, and Cleta's Cafe.
It is also an interesting challenge to name all of the soda fountains that sprung up around town in years past. Braxton Hicks informs me that there were several. Tucker Pharmacy, Louie's, Potter Drug, Shuey's Rexall, the B and E, and the Dutch Mill all had fountains, I think. There were more, I'm sure.
I like the Uptown Cafe because when I go there, I am always the youngest patron in the place.
That being said, a lot of times it is packed, including the addition that was added a couple of years back.
In visiting with the Mrs yesterday, I decided there isnt a bar type eatery in this town I would darken the door of. Larrys? No thanks. Goods? I am certain the furniture,mural, and aquarium all have years on me. Not that I dont like nostalgia, but no place in town is really a destination location. Its very unfortunate. Im no better than anyone else in Jtown, but the patrons of both those bars are frightening to many.
I have to agree with you, anon. I wouldn't take my wife to those locales for dinner - although I would spend a few bucks after work over a drink or two there.
It has been a while since there was a nice restaurant or two in the Jefferson area.
True and true regarding Larry's and Wet Goods. Unfortunate but understandable. They both rely on those "patrons" to fill the chairs and the register throughout the week in order to squeeze out a profit once the weekend crowd files in. Without the regulars they couldn't make it. Again, unfortunate but understandable.
Jefferson just isn't big enough for a nice bar/restaurant. Sad truth.
Maid Rite was great. We could usually weasel a piece of gum from Jack, too.
Ace's Pizza was good. Whatever happened to Chris, et al?
When Hardee's came to Jefferson in the 1980's, they tried to purchase land along North Elm on which to build. One local property owner refused to sell - forcing Hardee's to erect a tall fence blocking the view from his location.
That was right during the era when Jefferson was still growing although it seems that some locals were more worried about keeping things the way they were.
When the population base grew older, fast food joints such as the A & W and Duesyburger switched their formats over to accomodate an older clientele. Others, like the 4N, went out of business.
It is hard for restaurants to make a go of it in the Jefferson area, where a lot of people are old-fashioned and consider spending a few bucks at a restaurant a luxury and won't part with their money that easily.
Our resident archivist, Braxton Hicks, is researching this topic right now, as we speak. He'll be posting a brief history of restaurants in the area. I know there are some that very little information exists on. For example, the Dairy Lunch appears to have been located along the south side of the square in the 20's, but by the 30's it had been replaced by the more-familiar Gilmore Cafe.
I can't find much on the Dutch Mill or Mae's Cafe. The B and E was located on South Wilson across from the old Super Valu. Braxton should also be able to fill us in on Cleta's Cafe on South Wilson, as well as her restaurant at the truck stop.
Younger Jefferson readers will probably be surprised by the number of eateries the town was able to support.
Hardee's left Jefferson as part of a larger corporate downsizing. I think they actually did a fair amount of business while here in Jefferson.
According to the 2000 census, the median household income for Jefferson was $32,818. That's not very much money. People with that income can't afford to dine out often.
I think the era of dining out in Jefferson is over. This website would do Jefferson more good by offering a recipe section and suggesting ways to eat healthy while pinching pennies at the same time.
Exactly, anon.
That is why we have a recipe link updated every month along the right-hand side of the web site.
These are the kinds of recipes that can truly do the residents of Jefferson some good.
WOW ! Where do I start. I really like the new layout of the Jefferson Blog pages.
There have been so many restaurants through the years that I can remember. While I am not old enough to remember Mae’s restaurant, I do remember the Dutch Mill which was built by F.P. Cudahy for his son-in-law Yates Dalbey located at 201 E. Harrison. It was upscale and had great ice cream, a good place for birthday parties, with a juke box.
Another Ice Cream shop was the “The Cottage,” operated by Dean “Timer” and Georgia Hayes. It was at 223 S. Wilson. Later it was called the B & E. Bert & Eleanor Shuett ran it with their children Roger & Sheri. It was a good after school hang-out.
Now we have the Twinns Shop, 111 W. Lincolnway, for both ice cream as well as sandwiches, owned by Doug Meinecke as is Breadeaux Pizza. It is only open during the summer.
The A&W Drive-In had root beer floats, but broasted chicken, hamburgers, sandwiches, onion rings and so much more. It had many owners through the years with the last being Tom & Gina [Coon] Herrington. It was located on East Lincolnway. I think they delivered meals on skates at one time, later the intercom by the car to take the orders. It was expanded inside having booths as well.
Across the street for many years was the Dairy Queen which had many owners and more recently in new digs at 507 N. Elm. I’m sure this had nothing to do with the Dairy Lunch of the 20’s in the 100 block of E. Lincolnway.
Picture the Home State ATM machine which was the location of Dairy Sweet, run by June McPherson. Later in the same location I got broasted chicken. Do you remember the huge chicken on the roof? It was owned by Pat and Gerald Harrah. Later I got my broasted chicken in the sit down deli at Jim Schleisman’s Food store at 205 W. McKinley.
Later in the current HSB ATM spot Darrell Blackburn in a white washed cement block building, used the original Saba recipe to create delicious donuts. Later it became Randy Bunker’s Dunkers prior to their move to 119 N. Chestnut. This is slightly North of where Saba had his bakery at 109 N. Chestnut which later housed Ace Pizza, serving steak and chicken as well, with the Greek influence of Deano Constantine.
Bud & Arlene Nelson started the “4-N Drive In” on North Elm with their children Brad and Rande. It featured a red and white exterior located on Gallup Road. It reminded me of major hamburger chains. I think it may have had a drive up window.
Everyone who is 70+ remembers Louie’s Candy Kitchen operated by Louie Tronchetti. It had the best chocolates, a full soda fountain as well as sandwiches and open for many hours daily located at 102 N. Wilson. A hang-out for all ages.
National chains included Pizza Hut, Subway and Hardee’s which was short-lived due to its corporate owners as well as hiring practices.
There has never been a shortage of Pizza locations in Jefferson, past and present. Breadeaux Pizza, Pizza Ranch, Casey’s, Excuses, former Hardee’s location at 300 N. Elm, which has subs as well.
It’s nice to see bar/restaurants that have longevity such as Wet Goods operated by Dave Redfern, Larry’s operated by Larry Most and Gold Carpet lounge, operated by Mike and Barb Wilt which was at 118A S. Chestnut. Just closed was Carl’s Last Draw Saloon which was reputed to have topless dancers for a while. Previously I remember it was Peacock’s Tavern, Velda’s Tap, Horse Collar Saloon, Carl’s Bad Tavern, as well as a number of other names. In the final days it was owned by the late Iris Constantine.
More memories to come.
Braxton Hicks
Time to get serious about food.
One of the best early downtown restaurants was Schoppe Cafe. It was at 108 E. State operated by Emmett & Neva Schoppe and later their son Bill. It had a full menu and could rival the later Redwood restaurant for good food and fast service.
One of the finest supper clubs was the Redwood Restaurant, 211 E. Gallup road, built at the same time as the motel by Cecil Flack. It was originally operated by Bill Hannah who had a full menu with specialties of biscuits and honey, the best pies, prime rib, steaks, chicken and fish. After Bill Hannah retired, Mabel and her son Jon Brown ran a first class restaurant for many years, expanding the building in size, again with a great menu and Mabel’s finest Prime Rib. Bill Schoppe ran it for a brief time moving from Schaal’s Texaco restaurant at 606 Highway 30 East. Then another owner finally was successful in closing it. It was a far cry from the original Redwood.
Cleta Lawton ran Schaal’s restaurant. Cleta always ran a fine establishment. It later was owned by the Truck Haven chain. Cleta had operated her restaurant at 118 S. Wilson, later ran the restaurant at the country club, before going with Schaal’s. She was succeed by Jo Bartley who with her family ran the country club dining room for many years.
Worthy of mention in the 80’s was the Lincoln House on the second floor of Lincoln Square with their Rail Splitter bar. It had fine stemware, beautiful dishes plus a full menu and my favorite appetizer onion rings. It was operated by the Bud Richards/Tom Tucker family. Located downstairs was “The Copper Penny,” a sandwich shop operated during the day by daughter Kim Richards. Due to the financial ramifications of the 80’s farm crisis the complex wasn’t in business long enough.
I remember that there was a good restaurant in the early 50’s at the airport. It was run by Hap Dusenberry and had the finest Hash Browns I’ve ever tasted with butter oozing out on the plate. Since I was young I don’t remember the full menu, but was extensive.
Hap Dusenberry was not connected with the fast food restaurant called the Duseyburger which had a Duesenberg car on display for a brief time. Later it became the Bee Hive run by Dale & Fran Washburn, then the Family Table. Now housed in that location at 1409 N. Elm is CASA de ORO Mexican restaurant, a nice addition.
I enjoy the smoked pulled pork/turkey sandwiches at Bett & Bev’s BBQ at 901 N. Elm, where the peaked roof disappeared when Pizza Hut left town. It is run by the Glawe family of Paton. Their motto: “Smoked Slow, Served Fast.” Their hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on the weekend. It’s worth abiding by their hours!
The Peony Chinese restaurant is favorite of many people at 101 E. Lincolnway. The family runs Excuses as well. Fran Teagarden, a home economics teacher from Grand Junction started the “Tea Garden,” 100 E. State, now run by Angie Lansman of Rippey.
More to come ~
Braxton Hicks
More memories:
There have always been several restaurants in the downtown area. Roy & Mary Jane operated the Gilmore Cafe at 109 E. Lincolnway. Mary opened her “Tea Room” for parties at 118 S. Wilson which formerly housed Cleta Lawton’s restaurant. The Maid-Rite cafe at 115 West Lincolnway. It was a busy little restaurant with the patented “Maid Rite” loose meat sandwiches, specials each day, along with hamburgers and pork tenderloins. It had about 3-4 booths and a lunch counter. It always seemed to be a money maker for owners such as Al Sorenson, [father of Bill of Athletic fame] the Anderson family, Bill & Eleanor Lyon, Jack Ure, Bob Parker are some of the owners I remember. It was later moved without the Maid Rite franchise to 108 West State. The building owner Joe Davis remodeled the location and it later was expanded East to a double front. It operates as the Uptown Cafe. I don’t recall all the owners but do remember Beth Shelley and I understand it is now operated by a Mr. Hougham. They serve breakfast & lunch daily, Sunday brunch and evening dinners on Friday and Saturday.
Another downtown restaurant was called, “The Lunch Box,” at 105 E. Lincolnway. It had several owner/operators including Jim Ball, Lorraine Beazor, Pat Baugh, Bonnie Steinfadt and Mary Russell. Lincolnway Grill, 505 E. Lincolnway was operated for several years by Phil Sloan’s daughter. Robin Conner, for a brief time, operated a restaurant at the Racoon Valley Golf Course at 501 W. Greenway Road.
Let us think about Drug Store/Pharmacy soda fountains. Ralph & Gertrude Potter’s Drug Store, 100 N. Wilson, with the soda fountain run by Mary Marchant, later purchased by Harold Woodruff who removed it in about 1960. Frank Tucker’s Pharmacy, 119 E. Lincolnway, was a wonderful soda fountain for many more years, furnishing donuts from Saba’s as well as fountain drinks, coffee and malts. Well known was a special drink called the “Yeasto,” at John Shuey’s Rexall Drug Store, 104 E. State. Later it was Rolf Solbach’s Pharmacy, then Ralph Potter’s brother, Roy & Fern Potter with friends, Mr. & Mrs. Del Bauer operated a drug store. Del had been a long time barber in town.
While not full time, restaurant food is served at the Elks Lodge, Ram Restaurant, and
Hospital Cafeteria. One cannot forget snacks such as the popcorn stands. Clara DeWitt owned and Zelma Shriver was her helper at 100 E. Lincolnway. Jim Pollock ran a stand in the alley on the West side of the Square. Dennis Power had a stand on the NE corner of the square. Of course, you could always get your popcorn and candy at the Iowa, now Sierra Theatre.
I hope these places will bring back lots of memories. Can you think of any food establishments that I missed? I would love to hear about them.
Braxton Hicks
Unbelievable. After reading Braxton's extensive listings, you come away feeling like you have learned all there is to know about Jefferson area restaurants.
Wrong again!
I would like to challenge Mr. Hicks to talk about Del's Drive-In, on east highway 30, the Fireside Inn, at 303 West McKinley, Gilroy's (North Elm), the Wayside Cafe, at 505 East Lincolnway, Chew & Chat Cafe, located at 700 East Lincolnway, Hazel's Cafe, at 206 East Lincolnway, Kinnan's Cafe on North Elm, Lane's (at 102 North Wilson), Lindy's Cafe, at 410 West McKinley, or the U & I Cafe, which featured steaks, chops, seafood, and made their own pastries - all at 213 North Wilson!
That should keep Braxton busy for a while.
Rick: What a challenge ~ I think the Fireside Inn at 303 W. McKinley was run by Micki Blasnitz, perhaps others. I remember it being a restaurant as well as a bar. Everyone knew Gladys Kinnan as being a good short order cook and ran a good drinking establishment as well. Her location was in the neighborhood of Harrison RV’s, 1200 N. Elm.
Gilroy’s ran more businesses than Carter had “little liver pills.” They had everything from carpet cleaning to taking over Ralph Morris’s home furnishings downtown, to Gilroy’s restaurant with burgers and fries to new & used furniture plus antiques at 402 W. Stanford, which Juanita Gilroy is advertising today.
After Louie retired Kyb Razz who ran a bottling works in the 100 block of South Chestnut, took over the operation of Louie’s Candy Kitchen. Norman Lane ran it for awhile and I think there was one other owner before it closed permanently at 102 N. Wilson.
Hazel's Cafe may have been in the back of the tavern at 206 W. Lincolnway; U & I Cafe, may have been in the Jefferson Hotel as their address was 213 North Wilson! I don’t remember the Chew & Chat Cafe nor Del’s Drive In. Was that run by Del Zwicky?
Time for others to comment.
Braxton Hicks
After talking with Braxton, we came to the conclusion that Del's Drive-In was the previous name of the more-recent 4N Drive-In north of town. The Chew & Chat Cafe was located across from the fairgrounds for a brief time and may have been associated with Quirk's Cabins which was along there. Lindy's Cafe was adjacent to the bowling alley when it was located along McKinley.
Now let's try these -
The Buttercup Cafe (700 East Lincolnway), Home Cafe (102 North Wilson), Tiny's Cafe (on North Elm), Dad's Diner (105A East Lincolnway), The 11th Frame Lounge (on South Elm), and G & M Deli and Restaurant?
Ace's Pizza was a favorite, along with the A and W, where you could get great malts and that super, icy-cold root beer in a frosty mug on those hot summer days.
I always enjoyed the food court set up at the Jefferson Cemetery on Memorial Day. The pot stickers and sushi were always great, only to be followed by all those farm wives cooking up fried chicken and their homemade mashed potatoes and gravy. Another thing I'll never forget about that is the Scranton wives coming over with hot beef sandwiches and homemade ice cream.
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