Schrafft's (restaurant chain) facts for kids
Inside a Schrafft's restaurant on 58th St. in 1957
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Schrafft's was a famous chain of restaurants in New York. It was connected to the Schrafft's company, which was known for its candy and ice cream. These restaurants were popular for their good food at fair prices. They had dining rooms with tablecloths, and later, separate bar areas. You could also buy Schrafft's candy, ice cream, and gift baskets there.
Contents
The Story of Schrafft's Restaurants
How Schrafft's Began
Schrafft's first started as a candy company in Boston. It was founded by William G. Schrafft. Over time, it became a well-known restaurant chain too.
In 1898, Frank G. Shattuck, a salesman for the candy company, opened a candy store. This store was in Manhattan, New York City, at Broadway and West 36th Street. His sister, Jane Shattuck, was very important. She helped introduce light lunches into the stores.
Growing Across the City
The first Schrafft's location to serve food was in Syracuse in 1906. By 1909, Jane Shattuck brought meals to the second New York City Schrafft's. This one was on West 23rd Street, in the busy Ladies' Mile shopping area.
By 1927, there were 25 Schrafft's locations. Most of them were in New York. By 1928, Schrafft's was making a lot of money from lunch sales. They earned about $1 million each month!
What Made Schrafft's Special?
Schrafft's was known for its polite and elegant atmosphere. It felt like a fancy home. Many of the cooks, managers, and even some leaders were women.
In the 1920s and 1930s, their menus had many salads. They also offered more desserts than main dishes. You could find vegetable options like creamed cauliflower and fried eggplant.
Changes and New Owners
During the Great Depression, rents became cheaper. This helped the chain grow even more. By 1937, there were 43 Schrafft's restaurants. Most were in the New York City area. A few were also in Boston and Philadelphia.
The 1939 WPA Guide to New York City said Schrafft's had 38 locations. They served classic American home-style food. At its busiest time, there were about 50 Schrafft's in greater New York.
In the late 1960s, the Schrafft's candy company was sold. Then, in 1967, Pet, Inc. bought the restaurants for $14 million. Pet tried to update Schrafft's. They wanted to attract more men by adding special "men-only" sections. They even tried opening Schrafft's motels.
The End of an Era (and a New Start?)
However, in the 1970s, the number of Schrafft's restaurants began to shrink. Most locations closed within that decade. In 1981, the candy company stopped operating. The few remaining restaurants were owned by different companies.
In 2019, James Byrne, whose family helped start Schrafft's, announced something exciting. He said the brand would return! He plans to open new Schrafft's stores.
