The Michael and Mary Pappas family began operating a lunch counter at the Brown Derby on First Avenue Southwest between Third and Fourth streets in the early 1940s.
In 1946, they opened the Old Covered Wagon east of the city on U.S. 14, just west of the Pla-Mor Ballroom. On Oct. 25, 1951, sons Paul, George, Jim and Chuck gambled and opened the doors of Michaels Restaurant (named for their father) at 15 South Broadway.
Five restaurants had failed in this location, and many predicted a similar fate for the sixth. Opening night, a martini could be had for 60 cents; prime filet mignon dinner; $3.60, lobster dinner, $2.50; topped with pie or a sundae for 25¢. The supper club was a huge success. The jinx was broken. Later generations expanded the business to today, and the Pappas family has not closed the doors since.
Next week: I'm the plane they called the City of Rochester
Lens on History is a weekly photo feature by Cindy Scott, a volunteer at the History Center of Olmsted County. Thanks to Alan Calavano for sharing this photo postcard.
ADVERTISEMENT
The plane they called the City of Rochester.
