LITTLE TAVERNS (page 1)

The Little Tavern hamburger chain was established by Harry F. Duncan in Louisville, KY in 1927. He opened five locations there in the first year. In 1928, Duncan moved to Washington, DC and opened the first of many locations there. By the 1940s, there were almost 50 Little Tavern Shops throughout the D.C./Baltimore area. In 1972, 42 were still in operation. However, by 1991, there were only 20 left. The remaining location closed in 2009. Several buildings still exist and have been repurposed. Unfortunately, most of the best examples have been demolished in recent years. None of these survivors retain the chain's "Buy 'Em By the Bag" signs. This slogan was obviously inspired by White Castle's "Buy 'Em By the Sack" which I believe originated in the 1920s. The first few Little Tavern buildings bore a strong resemblance to those of White Castle. However, by 1928, Little Tavern switched from the mini castle look to its Tudor cottage design. These prefabricated buildings were faced with porcleain enamel tiles. For more, see these websites: 1, 2 and 3.

Little Tavern [gone] Conkling St. (Baltimore, MD)

The Conkling St. location had been up for sale for several years. Most of its interior had already been gutted. Sadly, it was demolished along with the Grand Theatre in 2003. I believe this was built in 1931 as the fifth location in Baltimore.

former Little Tavern 25th St. (Baltimore, MD)		Stone Tavern 25th St. (Baltimore, MD)

The 25th St. location is now Pizza Deal and looks a little shabby. Just across the street is the Stone Tavern. This was not a Little Tavern but still bears a resemblance to them. This building is a little larger and is from circa 1920s. More than likely, this was a bar and not a fast food competitor.

former Little Tavern Park Avenue (Baltimore, MD)

The Park Avenue location has been converted into a pub for the adjoining Lighthouse Restaurant.

former Little Tavern Belvedere Avenue (Baltimore, MD)

The Belvedere Avenue location is now used by a church group.

Little Tavern Holabird Ave. (Baltimore, MD)	Little Tavern Eastern Ave. (Baltimore, MD)	former Little Tavern Greenmount Ave. (Baltimore, MD)

This Holabird Ave. location was the last to close. It opened in 1983 and closed in 2008. It is believed that this building was used by another business before Little Tavern moved in. The Eastern Ave. location is still fairly intact with stools and green signs inside. I assume this LT never had a peaked roof and was designed to fit in this downtown storefront location. The Greenmount Ave. location was used as a Kennedy Fried Chicken for many years. Since this photo was taken, it has become Sea Blue. The Little Tavern roof and façade remain fairly intact. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

former Little Tavern Laurel, MD

2007:

The Laurel location was a fully functioning and unadulterated example of the chain until 2007. It closed and was put up for sale in 2006. In 2007 (bottom photo), the interior was gutted and the building was converted into Laurel Tavern Donuts. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3.

Little Taverns (page 2)

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