1943 Landmark Twohey’s Restaurant Celebrates 70 Years

Amid a colorful clad lineup of waiters and waitresses serving signature favorites, including sliders and the legendary bittersweet hot fudge sundaes, the owners of Southern California landmark Twohey’s Restaurant in Alhambra pulled out all the stops in celebration of the legendary restaurant’s 70 years in business and re-dedication of its new Huntington Banquet Room.

The birthday bash kicked off a year-long celebration that started May 15 at the popular eatery.

In addition, the restaurant is celebrating with a series of events including .70 cents floats with the purchase of an entrée (May, 2013), BBQ Days (May 15-June 16, 2013), Father’s Day (June 16, 2013), Rib-A-Rama (June 21-28, 2103) and Lobster Fest (August 2-September 16, 2013).

Present owner Jim Christos and his family, together with original owners Jean and Jerry Twohey, welcomed local dignitaries and members of the community.

Headlining the festivities were vintage cars from the 40s-70s, present and past owners of Twohey’s delving into a larger than life hot fudge sundae; the Pasadena Tournament of Roses queens and princess from 2013 and 1967, a Doo Wop Band: Woodie And The Long Boards performing live entertainment from the 40s, 50s, and 60s; 50-style dancers; car hops serving the restaurant’s signature bitter sweet sundaes among other signature specialties and Three Sisters catering sample menu items; and the unveiling of a gallery of historic photos obtained from the Pasadena Museum of History and the family’s own collection of Pasadena Tournament of Roses programs chronicling past Pasadena Tournament of Roses games, floats, parades and queens and her courts that handsomely adorn the walls of the new banquet room.

“We are truly honored to have been a part of the community for so many years and are delighted to have the family of the original owners Jean and Jerry Twohey present for this milestone event. We hope to continue making memories and continue the tradition of serving quality food for future generations,” said Owner of Twohey’s Restaurant Alhambra Jim Christos.

Twohey’s, pronounced “2ee’s,” opened in 1943 when owner Jack Twohey opened his first restaurant on Arroyo Boulevard in Pasadena. At the time, the restaurant had 37 seats and quickly became known as the premier hamburger place for the finest hamburgers, onion rings and hand-dipped fountain specialties.

The present location featured memorable drive-up carhop service from the 1950s to the mid 1970s. The Little Stink-O, clothes pin and tear logo was trademarked by Mr. Twohey in 1943. It originated when he overheard a woman patron of the restaurant exclaim, “Oh-Stink-O,” when a gentleman next to her was served a hamburger generously garnished with onions and pickles.

Today, the 180-seat Twohey’s Restaurant Alhambra boasts 300 menu items priced from $6.95 -$21.95.

Located in the heart of San Gabriel Valley on the corner of Huntington Drive and Atlantic, connecting South Pasadena, San Marino and Alhambra, California, the Restaurant is situated at 1224 N. Atlantic Boulevard in Alhambra, California. It is centrally located near the 10, 110 and 710 Freeways. For reservations and information, call (626) 284-7387 and visit www.twoheys.com.