Canteen Lunch in the Alley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canteen Lunch in the Alley |
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1927 |
| Food type | Canteen lunch |
| Street address | 112 East 2nd Street |
| City | Ottumwa |
| State | Iowa |
| Country | United States |
| Seating capacity | 16 |
Canteen Lunch in the Alley is a famous restaurant in Ottumwa, Iowa. It first opened in 1927. In 1936, it moved to its current spot. This place is well-known for its special loose-meat sandwiches and yummy homemade pies. The restaurant has a unique horseshoe-shaped counter with 16 stools for customers.
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A Bit of History
The Canteen Lunch started way back in 1927. It moved to its current home in 1936. This spot is under a parking ramp in Ottumwa, Iowa. It's a great example of an old-fashioned lunchroom. Places like the Canteen became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. This was during the Great Depression, a time when many people had little money.
Lunchrooms During Hard Times
Lunchrooms like the Canteen were perfect for people on a tight budget. They offered simple, quick meals. They were also informal places to meet friends and talk. These spots were often near factories. Many male workers would visit them for lunch.
The Famous Canteen Sandwich
The Canteen Lunch is still open today! Their special sandwich is called a "Canteen." It's a loose-meat sandwich, a bit like a "Maid Rite" or "Sloppy Joe." But it has its own unique taste. It's served like a hamburger. You can add pickles, ketchup, and mustard. For a little extra, you can even get cheese sauce on it.
What Makes the Sandwich Special
The Canteen prepares a lot of ground beef every day. They use about 100 to 150 pounds! The meat is ground very finely. Customers can tell if the grind is different. The sandwich comes on a special, large hamburger bun. The bun is cut but left connected. Each sandwich is wrapped in a thick wax paper. After you finish, you get a small spoon. This helps you scoop up any meat left in the paper.
The Unique Restaurant Layout
The way the restaurant is set up is a big part of its charm. The horseshoe-shaped counter wraps around a metal steamer. This is where the beef cooks. You can watch the whole process! One server constantly stirs the beef. Another cuts the buns and adds toppings. A third server puts the meat on the buns and wraps them. This "show" is a fun part of eating at the Canteen. It's enjoyed by both new and regular customers.
Affordable Meals
The prices at the Canteen are still very low. They are similar to what they were during the Great Depression. You can get a full meal, including a piece of pie, for less than $5.
Saving the Canteen
In 2000, the city of Ottumwa wanted to build a parking ramp. It was planned for the Canteen's location. The city offered to buy the building or move it. But the owners and customers wanted it to stay. So, in 2004, the city bought the "air rights" above the Canteen. This allowed them to build the parking ramp over the restaurant. The Canteen stayed right where it was!
Connection to Roseanne
The Canteen was the inspiration for a restaurant on the TV show Roseanne. The restaurant on the show was called the Lanford Lunch Box. Roseanne Barr, who played Roseanne Connor, was married to actor Tom Arnold. Tom Arnold was from Ottumwa. They often visited the Canteen when they were married.
New Owners
On November 20, 2015, Scott and Janice Pierce became the new owners of the Canteen Lunch In The Alley.
