1950's shot of Jerry's Drive-In (pre-Athen's)
Daytime shots (above two photos courtesy of David at Groceteria)
Night shot from May 1984
The legendary sign at night (the arrow blinked towards the building)
Daytime shot of the sign
Original matchbook
September 1966 ad
Above three are interesting black & white interior shots (unknown source)
Athen's Restaurant was open for 43 years on the corner of Independence Blvd and East 4 St (on the edge of downtown). It was known for its classic diner fare and full traditional Greek menu as well as for its famous street-side sign of the chubby chef with the giant blinking yellow arrow. It was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and its patrons ranged from the daytime lunch crowd to the nighttime club goers. Athen's was also famous for one of its waitresses that started to work there in the mid-60's and stayed until the very end. Throughout the years, the area changed from a bustling business district to an area dominated by the local community college (and not much else). Athen's was the one constant in the area. In 2007, Athen's lost its lease to the ever-expanding community college. Currently the corner lot sits vacant awaiting for a new college building.
REVISIONS-- 8-2-2008
1976 ad
REVISIONS -- 8-9-2008
Nice street-side photos from 2006
REVISIONS -- 1-9-2009
I wish there was photo of that 1 mustard bottle, that looked like it had been refilled again and again from the time this place opened! I am fairly certain they had just that 1!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I hadn't been to Athens in over 21 years, but I still know EXACTLY the mustard bottle you are talking about. I used it for A LOT of items over the years there.
DeleteUsed to eat there all the time after going to hear live music at the Double Door Inn!
ReplyDelete