Exterior shot
1981 ad
Gary Anderson (son of Jimmie) took over the restaurant in 1985
Original owner Jimmie Anderson bringing out the breakfast biscuits in this 1980 photo
Sidewall sign for Anderson's
Wonderful nighttime shot of the sidewall sign (courtesy of David at Groceteria)
Central High School students enjoy Anderson's in 1950
Interior shot of Anderson's from 1960
Exterior shot of Anderson's from 1989
For the first "Hall of Fame Eatery" I have chosen Anderson's Restaurant on Elizabeth Avenue. Opened in 1946 by brothers Jimmy, Pete, and Bill Anderson, Anderson's was situated between Presbyterian Hospital and CPCC (formerly Central High School). They were known for their breakfasts, golden fried chicken, and "the world's best pecan pie" (which became their slogan). Anderson's was also famous for their "Hot Dorsey Sandwich" (named for furniture mogul James Dorsey) which consisted of a casserole of chicken, sharp cheese, bacon, mushrooms, and Anderson's "special sauce". Anderson's closed last year and a Starbucks now sits on the property (though the rear exterior sidewall sign of Anderson's is still visible).
Fall 1975 photo (love the pay phone!)
Early-1990's photo
Backside sign that still lights up today!
REVISIONS -- 1-9-2009
I drove (well, rode, technically, since I was on the CATS bus) by this place on the way to work every morning for two years...then right after I moved they shut it down. But I could just tell that it was a special place and had a certain...aura about it with long-time residents. To think that it's been replaced by a Starbucks.......
ReplyDeleteWalking into Anderson's was like walking back in time. Little had changed decor-wise inside. As the Elizabeth Avenue "corridor" continues to heat-up, I imagine the whole face of the street will continue to change (even the Burger King moved one street over). I was surprised to see the Anderson's sign remained on the side back-wall.
ReplyDeleteIn the 60s my mom worked next door at the Visulite (then a movie theatre) and hung out at The Andersons. Later, it became our Sunday morning breakfast place. I've never had a better breakfast. To think it's now a Starbucks? God, glad I live hundreds of miles away now; I don't think I could stomach THAT.
ReplyDeleteI moved away from Charlotte in the late 1970's. I vividly remember eating at Andersons often with my parents one or two times a week in the Winters. My favorite item on the menu was the Hot Dorsey Sandwich. I have tried to recreate this dish, but I cannot get the sauce right. Does anyone have any ideas how to make the sauce?
ReplyDeleteMy mom, used to be a waitress there through my childhood. Her maiden name was Winkler. We've since moved to S.C but was up for a visit a year or so ago. We stopped in for my favorite, the Hot Dorsey. I craved one last weekend when I came up for a visit, only to find out it had been closed. I am so saddened by this. I too wish I could recreate the "secret sauce". Maybe mom knows...
ReplyDeleteAte there many times enjoy the hot Dorsey and friendly people.
ReplyDeleteA time gone by.
Just thinking about a Hot Dorsey sandwich today...wishing I could have one, or know how to make one. I'm hoping someone will eventually post a recipe.
ReplyDeleteLied about my age and got a job there as a waitress in the 60's...I recall $11 a week wages for a 48 hour week...my first paycheck, I owed them money, because I hadn't learned to write "water" on the ticket if people didn't order coffee or soft drinks...so I got charged for a whole week's worth of coffee and soft drinks on my first check. Never made that mistake again! Twenty-five cents was a HUGE tip, as the lunches ran about $.65. A dime was considered a generous tip. Most tips were about a nickel. I do fondly recall the food, and regret I did not eat there on my last visit to Charlotte in 2005. There was also a Greek restaurant I used to enjoy, that seems to not be around any more.
ReplyDeleteAnderson's was excellent. the Athens down the street was Greek/good. Karen in central Florida
ReplyDeleteThe Hot Dorsey sandwich is sorely missed and since I could not get the catering business to provide it anymore, I investigated and found that it is very similar to Kentucky Hot Brown from the famed Brown Hotel in Lexington. From the many recipes for that on line and my own interpretation of The Dorsey, I have concocted a version which seems very close to the taste of the original Dorsey Hot Brown!
ReplyDeleteMy parents went there on dates in the late 1950s. I used to work on Elizabeth Ave. in the late 1980s and it was my favorite lunch spot. So sorry to hear it closed!
ReplyDelete300 dollars to who gets me the recipe for the sauce.
ReplyDeleteAnderson's was my first job. I worked there as a dishwasher. Gary was very cheap. He cut a lot of corners, which I'm sure his father didn't cut. Gary was very cheap. So cheap in fact, that he would reheat the uneaten bread from other customers' bread baskets. The staff didn't like him, because he paid so little. His mother (who certainly wasn't cheap, but she was annoying, nonetheless) would come into the restaurant and order us around, making us perform tasks that weren't a part of our job descriptions, and Gary would just allow it. I did like my coworkers, though. Phyllis, the hostess, was very nice, and the kitchen staff were really cool. I do appreciate them for giving me my first job, but overall, it sucked. Oh yeah, the pecan pie sucked as well.
ReplyDelete