![]() The nine bar stools which, the last time I was there, still butted up to the counter, fetched $300. A Coke vending machine went for a mere $10, but a Los Angeles Times newspaper rack for $270. You could have bought a a full-size wood and fibreglass replica of a Southern Pacific GS-4 steam locomotive, built as a prop for the film Tough Guys, for just $130. The seven gas pumps which stood outside the service station made a reasonable $3300, but the wonderful old neon sign sold for a seemingly paltry $7400. The classic cars or the American LaFrance fire engine didn’t make much money, although the porcelain Eagle Mine Mountain sign that has been outside for years raised $3300 and four Texaco hand cloths printed with the Desert Center address made $250. Last weekend, almost all the contents of the Desert Center Café and Service Station (not to mention the farm equipment and the cars in the junkyard which also belonged to the late owner of the town, ‘Desert Dave’ Ragsdale, grandson of Stanley) were auctioned off in an online estate sale, including the old cars and replica of a train that you could only previously see by peering through the dusty windows or holding a camera up to the window. The bar stools sold for $300 and everything behind the counter (except for the milkshake machine) for another $300. The café, meanwhile, featured in films and adverts and even a video game, but it never reopened after that final day seven years ago, I-10 rushing by just yards from its back door. Despite being a noted businessman, Ragsdale’s reputation was shot down in 1950 when he was accused of a dalliance with one of his employees and he retreated to a log cabin in the mountains where he lived out his days. Desert Center went onto become the birthplace from which Kaiser Permanente, the world’s largest managed health care system, would rise. The only food place for 50 miles, the café and service station was built by town founder Stephen A Ragsdale in 1921 and his advertising for the café claimed ‘We lost our keys – we can’t close!’, a boast that the café had been open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since it opened. The iconic neon sign of the Desert Center Cafe. The door informed customers it was temporarily closed for building maintenance. Has remained just as it did on the last day of business in 2012, withĬondiments on the tables and coffee mugs on the counter. Long been one of my favourite stops, although it’s been shut up for years. We promise to give you great food, great service and a great time.The café and service station in Desert Center has “We look forward to serving you for many years. “But this community has embraced us, offered so much encouragement, and has shored us up during a difficult start-up time. We knew we would have big shoes to fill coming in behind Clay County Icons like Ronnie and Lilian (Munsey),” Mallorie said. “And we recognize how blessed we are to be a part of this community. The Dippys said following Munsey’s legacy will be a challenge. I believe they’re going to do very well here.” Oddly enough, they are the same age I was when I took it over. The restaurant business is very transitory. ![]() Both said they were enthused and impressed with the newest generation eatery. In all, they ran a restaurant at 232 Walnut St. “These last seven months have definitely been a whirl-wind mix of excitement, sometimes panic….but mostly joy.”įormer restaurant owners Van Royal (Crooks Restaurant) and Ronnie Munsey (Ronnie’s Wings) were at the ribbon-cutting. And that is the spirit we intend to honor his name with. “He only did a job one way – the right way. “When I think about my Papa, Roger Zebulan Lentile, I think about hard work, pride and integrity,” she said. Mallorie Dippy welcomed customers with a short comment ahead of the ribbon-cutting. They were greeted by freshly-painted walls, new flooring and fixtures and a fresh menu. “Today is his birthday, so that’s why we waited to officially change the name.”Ĭounty and city officials joined an overflow crowd of residents for the celebration. “We named it ‘Roger That!’ after my grandfather,” Mallorie said. Roger That! Wings and More celebrated its grand re-opening last Saturday, marking the end of Ronnie’s Wings and Oysters’ 24-year run in the heart of the downtown area.Īlthough new owners Mallorie and Nate Dippy bought the restaurant seven months ago, they picked July 30 to show off their newly-remodeled eatery. By Don COVE SPRINGS – One of the most-iconic diners in Green Cove Springs changed its name, appearance and menu last week – all with the blessing of the prior owner.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |