As forecast in an earlier post, my favorite burger joint, where I have routinely alternated between eating breakfasts and lunches, will serve its last burger, its last pancakes, tomorrow. I had my last breakfast there this morning; tomorrow, I'll try to brave the final day crowds and have my last lunch, my last meal. .
Ever since the imminent closing was announced a couple of weeks ago in a Seattle Times article, the place has been full of customers for both breakfasts and lunches. Lots of folks have been dropping by the Burgermaster's death bed, as it were, to pay their last respects. This week, a television crew from a local station showed up, interviewing customers as they stood in line. Many older folks have been bringing their grandchildren: "See, Johnny, this is where your grandpa and I had our first date!"
Yes, as the painter has painted on the front window, this was the 73rd and final year for the University area Burgermaster. It opened in 1952, in the same location but in a much smaller building. Sort of a burger shack, I guess, judging from photos on display. I'm not sure when it expanded into its present building, capable of seating a fairly large crowd. As it certainly did today.
Things I liked about it: The carefully tended plantings out in front, changing with the seasons. The illustrated celebrations of current holidays, painted on the large front windows. (The current paintings, celebrating Valentine's Day, contain for the first time a small signature by the talented artist.) The play area for small children, giving them toys and books with which to amuse themselves while the "big people" chatted. The usually ample parking. The friendly staff who, eventually, greeted you by name. The coffee jugs full of "help yourself" coffee (assuming you paid for the first cup). The way in which, after your meal was brought to your table, you were left alone to peruse the newspaper or read a book, or simply stare into space as long as you wanted. No one kept dropping by asking you if everything was okay, or if you were "still working on" that piece of ham.
In other words, it wasn't a formal restaurant, nor was it a McDonalds fast food joint. It was something in between, with the better aspects of both extremes.
It was also a community center, one whose destruction will leave a big hole that won't easily be filled.
Unless the Burgermaster organization -- yes, the university area establishment became the "flagship"of a small local chain, although the others tend to be car service take-outs -- finds another convenient location in the same neighborhood, and opens up a similar new establishment.
Please?
----------------------------Photo: Customers lined up before 8 a.m. this morning, ordinarily a slow period.
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