It’s Clark’s, according to this old linen-era postcard that caught my eye.
Vintage Seattle readers are contributing more info on whatever happened to Clark’s (all of them). Hit our comments if you have anything to add. Click on the postcard for a closer look.
 |
| In Seattle It’s Clark’ s For Fine Food s and Courteous Friendly Service. Clark’s Restaurant Enterprises, Inc. offer you these famous restaurants in Seattle: Clark’s Salad Bowl — 1319 5th Ave; Clark’s Round The Clock — 1001 Olive Way; Clark’s Top Notch — 1121 E. 45th Street; Clark’s Coffee Tavern — 1628 5th Ave; Clark’s Catering Co. — 215 Columbia Street. |
Araya’s (vegan Thai) is now at 1121 NE 45th, but I don’t think it’s the same building… or is it?
Just found this: http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/imlsmohai&CISOPTR=1508&CISOBOX=1&REC=3
” Walter Clark, a veteran of Manning’s coffee houses, opened several restaurants in Seattle in the 1930s and 40s. He would eventually come to own and operate some 53 eating establishments. The menu at Clark’s reflected simple fare such as grilled steaks, veal and pork chops, chili con carne, spaghetti, and a local seafood platter that featured oysters. Clark’s Round the Clock Cafe was located at 1001 Olive Way. “
Sorry for the multiple posts, but just found these as well: Clark obits
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19981106&slug=2781850
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19900623&slug=1078578
Apparently the chain was sold to Campbell Soup in 1970.
Also, Clark knew Col. Sanders!
“Sanders loaded a touring car with waitresses and nephews and came west. Clark put him to work managing the Twin Teepees, out on Aurora near Green Lake. The Colonel stayed for about a year. He had not yet developed his fried-chicken recipe, but did introduce a Brunswick stew that Clark said was very tasty.”
Hi Cliffe,
Not long ago I saw an article, here is the link:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/pacificnw08192007/2003837630_pacificpdorp19.html
I had to find the other link, sorry to double post
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20001213&slug=TT1C2JE25
Jess, I take it you had not moved to Seattle yet when the Twin Teepees caught fire, then were bulldozed (as the above links show)–it was a sad day for historic Seattle, as it was the last standing Clark’s restaurant and a real kitsch icon on Aurora Ave. (which is currently still the site of Seattle’s remaining-but-slowly-vanishing kitsch). Here’s what the interior of the Twin Teepees looked like:
http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm-desmo/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/imlsmohai&CISOPTR=1244&CISOBOX=1&REC=8
Here’s an interior shot of the Top Notch restaurant. Love the name of the gentleman serving the coffee!:
http://content.lib.washington.edu/cdm-desmo/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/imlsmohai&CISOPTR=2311&CISOBOX=1&REC=7
Any relation to the Clark’s Crabapple restaurant that was a fixture of the early Bellevue Square for many years?
Brian,
I think the answer is yes, under Biographical Notes, Terry and Moore Period – 1952 to 1962 (about two-thirds of the way down the Biographical Notes).
http://www.lib.washington.edu/Specialcoll/findaids/docs/photosgraphics/TerryRolandPHColl743.xml
Also, a little bit of Clark’s history in Walter Clark’s obituary from 1990:
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19900623&slug=1078578
And a little more history here:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/archives/1991/9112200114.asp
When I was a kid in the 1960s, there was a Clark’s Big Top Restaurant at the north end of Northgate Mall. All I remember (besides the name) is that it had a circus theme with kids’ menus you could color with those big fat crayons. I don’t know if it was the same Clark though. Anyone else remember this restaurant?
I see that Big Top is mentioned in Walter Clark’s obit. Michael: Thanks for posting that link.
Oh my gosh, teepees, streamline moderne and cool clock signs! I love this postcard. So sad this chain is now long gone.
The buildings are gone but the memories remain. If you want to know more find the book “Mr. Restaurant: A biography of restaurateur Walter F. Clark” by P. E Tibbetts
Walter was my uncle. I grew up with the TPs – my father bought it from Walter in the mid-50s and owned it thru the mid-60s
Believe it or not, one of the Clark’s restaurants still survives! The Pancake Chef in Sea-tac was one of later additions to the chain and is now celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary. The decor, furnishings and menu don’t seem to have changed much from it’s opening but it is far from a dive. Great breakfasts at reasonable prices. Corn fritters too!
Clarks also ran the galley concessions on Washington State Ferries for years. China plates and coffee mugs. Good food at low prices. The ferry system’s incompetent management has eliminated most galleys even removing grills on some vessels. What remains is awful.