Nat Bailey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nat Bailey
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Nat Bailey in 1961
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| Born | January 31, 1902 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
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| Died | March 27, 1978 (aged 76) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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| Occupation | Restaurateur |
| Known for | Founder of White Spot |
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Baseball career |
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 Baseball Hall of Fame |
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| Induction | 2013 |
Nathaniel Ryal Bailey (born January 31, 1902 – died March 27, 1978), known to many as Nat Bailey, was a clever business owner. He was born in America but became famous in Canada. Nat Bailey started the very popular White Spot restaurants.
He is famous for opening Canada's first drive-in restaurant in 1928. He also created the special tray that carhops use to serve food right to your car. His restaurant chain is still very popular today!
Contents
Nat Bailey's Early Life and Business Ideas
Nat Bailey was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1902. When he was about 11 years old, in 1913, his family moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Starting a Food Business
In the 1920s, Nat Bailey had a smart idea. He started a traveling lunch counter in Vancouver. He used a 1918 Model T car as his mobile kitchen! From his car, he sold hotdogs for ten cents and ice cream for just five cents.
The First Drive-In Restaurant
Nat Bailey's big breakthrough came in 1928. He opened the very first White Spot restaurant. This was Canada's first drive-in, where people could get food without leaving their cars. By 1955, his restaurants were serving 10,000 cars every day. They were also serving 110,000 customers each week! Nat Bailey sold his successful chain to General Foods in 1968 and then retired.
Nat Bailey's Community Spirit
Nat Bailey was not just a successful businessman. He also cared a lot about his community. He was a member of the Freemasons. He also supported the Marpole Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
Supporting Youth Sports
Nat Bailey had a special love for baseball. He was a big supporter of little league baseball in Vancouver. He even owned a part of the Vancouver Mounties, a minor-league team.
Nat Bailey's Legacy
Nat Bailey passed away in 1978 at the age of 76. He died at Vancouver General Hospital.
Honoring a Baseball Lover
After his death, Capilano Stadium was renamed Nat Bailey Stadium. This was done to honor his love for baseball. Since 2011, the stadium has been the home of the Vancouver Canadians. This team is connected to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hall of Fame Recognition
Nat Bailey's contributions were recognized in many ways. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013. He is also in the Vancouver Baseball Hall of Fame. Plus, he is an inductee of the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame.
