From my 1954 Visitor’s Guide, the only other restuarant still open, the United Grill on University Ave near the old Greyhound Station. A gleaming white, streamlined modern architectural beauty.
The interior looks like it was quite the hopping place at one time. Check out that lunch counter!
While they may have been open seven days a week in 1954, today they are a Monday to Friday operation, catering mainly to the downtown office crowd.
* Photo from the collection of the Municipal Archives *
It looks like the building had a change of the vertical sign, but the structure itself remained unaltered, at least through the early 1970’s.
Too bad the same can’t be said for today. Somewhere along the way, the building met the pebble stone treatment, the “stucco” of choice for the 1970’s. Maybe they got a two for one deal when they did the old Bus Station next door 🙂
Another downtown restaurant that has been around for more than half a century. This one however you never hear about.
The 1970s photo shows the bus depot with its original sign. Does anyone know when it was removed?
Futhermore to Phil’s question, anyone know when the original bus depot was built, and what is in store for it’s future?
Hrm…based on what I have seen of this city, the wrecking ball shall be waiting correct?
Ross, the station was designed in 1939, and built in 1940:
Some background can be found here: http://internationalmetropolis.com/?p=502
We’ve given plenty of coverage to the old station here: http://internationalmetropolis.com/?submit=Search&s=greyhound&paged=1 🙂
Phil, I’m not sure when the sign dissapeared, probably around the same time the station was “renovated”. Probably late 70’s/early 80’s?
And one technical point, Ross, that wasn’t the ‘original’ Greyhound station. That was #2 with the original having been on Ouellette. Of course, the original one wasn’t really a proper terminal like #2 or the current one, but I thought it should be mentioned anyway.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22518359@N03/2169211236/
too bad business don’t have the capital to revert back to the old architectural styles.
Has anyone eaten at the United Grill? Everytime I try to go it is closed.
That restaurant counter set-up reminds me of the Radio Tavern.
I haven’t eaten at United Grill since I lived in the Westcourt Building a few years ago. Even then I remember walking right by it as if it wasn’t even there. And I love love love diners!
That old signage would have definetly caught my attention!
SCOTTY – what’s up scotty…fancy running into you here…hope your well my friend…nice to see you!!!
RE: ME, Umm, no I have not eaten there in years, last time was probably before 95, when I went there with the family for a dinner, quite a while ago.
Thanks Andrew and John, I’m gonna have a look at that link you provided Andrew!!
🙂
Andrew, the link you provided was great, some great shots and information there. Do you have to obtain special permission to enter these buildings, or did you grab these pictures before this building closed?
Yeah, I pulled some strings to get a tour… 😉
i recall when i was a kid in the 50’s going to the united grill the way it is now is just a few tables and booths no atmosphere at all everything is white the food’s ok but they aten’t open 7 days a week anymore
I remember the fantastic coffee they served there. You could play the Seeburg jukeboxes located at every table.