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California Eateries (page 4)

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former Van de Kamp's
Arcadia, CA
This former Van de Kamp's building is one of the last remaining examples of the chain. It was designed by Harold Bissner, Jr. and built in 1967. The folded-plate roof served as a base for a giant windmill. The poured-in-place concrete building appears to be circular but actually has 16 sides. The windmills used to rotate both vertically and horizontally - until they had a problem with one flying off the building. I believe there are only two other buildings of this type left: in Norwalk, CA and Houck, AZ. When Denny's took over the Arcadia building in 2000, the windmill was nearly demolished but saved through public outcry.

The Van de Kamp's Holland Dutch Bakery was founded around 1930 in Los Angeles. They featured a chain of rustic-looking windmill-shaped shops around the L.A. area. The company went on to build restaurants and began a wholesale business. This drive-in location, now gone, was built in L.A. in the 1950s. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

former Daisy's
San Diego, CA

former Daisy's
Chula Vista, CA
These former Daisy's restaurants were part of a chain. The San Diego building was vacant in 2010 when this photo was taken. Previously, it housed the Gourmet Rotisserie. The Chula Vista location now houses a Denny's restaurant. Does anyone know more about Daisy's restaurants? [photos thanks Gregory May]

Tony's On the Pier
Redondo Beach, CA		 Tommy's Original World Famous Hamburgers
Los Angeles, CA
Tony's On the Pier opened in 1952 in a small shack. In 1961, the present-day restaurant was built. The upper octagonal structure was built in 1963 as the Top o' Tony's Bar. The restaurant became known as Old Tony's when they opened another location. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Tommy's Original World Famous Hamburgers was established here in 1946. It is famous for its chili-topped burgers. The small stand or "shack" is open 24 hours and features a stand-up eating area. There are now 29 locations. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Tony's Burger
Los Angeles, CA		 Dave's Burgers
Long Beach, CA
Tony's Burger opened in 1932 as the White Log Coffee Shop. It was designed by Kenneth Bemis who created 62 faux log cabins along the Pacific Coast. The rooftop sign is believed to be from the late 1950s. Before it was Tony's Burger, the restaurant was known as Dave's Charbroiler. The building has been vacant since at least 2006. For more, see this website.

Dave's Burgers has been here since the 1950s. For more, see this website.

The Hat
Alhambra, CA
The Hat
Upland, CA
The Hat opened at this location in Alhambra, CA in 1951. They now have ten locations. I believe the Alhambra sign, which is still lit at night, is original. The signs at the other locations seem to be modern replacement signs like the one in Upland. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

George's 50s Diner
Long Beach, CA
George's 50s Diner opened as Grisinger's Drive-in Coffee Shop in 1953. For more, see this website.

Jerry's Beefburgers
San Leandro, CA
Jerry's Beefburgers opened in 1953. The backside of the non-functioning clock has a cartoon depiction of Jerry. That part of the sign must have revolved originally. For more, see this website.

Kwik Way Hamburgers [closed]
Oakland, CA
This Kwik Way Hamburgers was the last of the chain's three Oakland locations. It closed in 2007 and will most likely be demolished. For more, see this website.

Giant Burgers
Oakland, CA

Giant Burgers
Hayward, CA		 Giant Burgers
Oakland, CA		 Giant Burgers
Oakland, CA
There are about ten Giant Burgers in the Bay Area, most of them in Oakland. The locations are all independently operated now. The buildings and signs appear to be from the 1950s or 1960s. The most aesthetically interesting of the locations is the first one shown above. Most of the others have boxy buildings and plastic signs.

More CA Eateries:
Ozzie's Soda Fountain (Berkeley)
Great White Hut (Glendale)
C.C. Brown’s (Hollywood) [closed]
Original Pantry (Los Angeles)
O'Neill's Streamline Diner: 1, 2 (Perris)
Mitchell's Ice Cream (San Francisco)

CA Misc.
page 1		 CA Misc.
page 2		 CA Misc.
page 3		 CA Drive-ins CA Ice Cream
Main Eateries Page