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Quaker Steak & Lube facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quaker Steak & Lube
Subsidiary
Industry Casual dining
Founded Sharon, Pennsylvania,
United States (1974; 51 years ago (1974))
Founder George "Jig" Warren III,
Gary "Moe" Meszaros
Headquarters Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Number of locations
 42
Area served
 North America
Parent JDK Management

Quaker Steak & Lube is a fun restaurant chain known for its car-themed decor and tasty food. It's a type of casual dining restaurant, which means it's a relaxed place where you can enjoy a meal. The first Quaker Steak & Lube opened in 1974 in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

The idea for the restaurant came from two friends, George "Jig" Warren III and Gary "Mo" Meszaros. They built the very first restaurant inside an old, unused gas station. They decorated it with cool license plates and old cars, making it a unique place to eat!

The Story Behind Quaker Steak & Lube

The founders, Jig Warren and Mo Meszaros, loved old gas stations and powerful muscle cars. In the 1970s, many gas stations were closing down. They wanted to save the cool vibe of these places.

Their idea turned into the first Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant in Sharon, Pennsylvania. It opened in 1974. This original restaurant even has a 1936 Chevrolet car displayed on an old grease rack, just like in a real garage! Over time, this one restaurant grew into a whole chain of popular dining spots.

Changes in Ownership

Like many businesses, Quaker Steak & Lube has had different owners over the years.

  • In 2015, the company faced some financial challenges.
  • It was then bought by a company called TravelCenters of America. They planned to open more Quaker Steak & Lube restaurants, especially near truck stops.
  • Later, in early 2021, another company called JDK Management bought Quaker Steak & Lube for $5 million.

Awards and Recognition

Quaker Steak & Lube is not just known for its cool theme; it's also recognized for its food! As of 2023, the restaurant has won more than 70 awards. These awards come from different national and local food competitions.

Featured on TV

One of the Quaker Steak & Lube locations became famous when it was shown on a TV show.

  • The restaurant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was featured on the Travel Channel series Man v. Food.
  • On the show, the host, Adam Richman, took on a special challenge.
  • He had to eat six "Atomic" chicken wings. These were the hottest wings on the menu at that time!
  • Adam Richman successfully finished the challenge. He won a special bumper sticker and earned a spot on the restaurant's "Atomic Wall of Flame."