Submitted by: Teri Muse
Gene Glasgo, longtime Arcadia resident, Arcadia Historical Society Member and City Clerk, treated Rotarians to a glimpse back in time to the popular eateries then and now. He started off his presentation by going over the history of McDonalds and Arcadia. In 1937, Dick and Maurice McDonald opened Air Dome hot dog stand in Arcadia. In 1940, the McDonald brothers moved to San Bernardino and opened McDonald’s. In 1955, Ray Croc opens the first McDonald’s franchise in Illionis. In 1961, Croc bought out the McDonald brother’s for $2.7 million and began the nationwide expansion. In 1962 a McDonald’s opens on Foothill Blvd.  Gene said his Dad knew Ray Croc and Mr. Croc had given them an opportunity to buy a franchise, but they declined and the rest is history.
Let’s see if you remember the popular eateries from then and now:
Before& Now
Bob’s Beef Burger w/cigarette machine outside!/Starbucks
Henry’s Drive In /Citizen’s Business Bank
George’s Wood Pit BBQ w/pink pit on spit /Young Dong
The Embers/ Burned Down then became Liquor Store
Thrifty’s Soda Fountain/ Century 21
Pie King/ Chef’s Coffee Shop
Baron’s Pharmacy /Waltrip’s Music
There are several eateries that have been in Arcadia for many, many years including: Taco Lita, Taco Treat, Rod’s and Pellegrino’s Italian Restaurant. Gene treated us to old pictures from these restaurants and we all laughed at the hair styles, clothes and prices of food back then.
Gene also surprised Frank Perini when he talked about visiting Frank’s Barber Shop when he was 12 years old, taking a picture with Santa and Frank giving him a beautifully wrapped gift. He was so upset when he got home to unwrap it and find it was a potato! Frank clarified the story by saying the kids were offered a box of Cracker Jacks from Santa or the wrapped gift, which unbeknownst to the children had a potato in it. Guess Frank was trying to teach the kids a lesson which did not go over well with Gene!