Clifton's Cafeteria, 1939-2010

 

Martin Turnbull writes, 

In 1939, Clifton’s redecorated its location at 618 S. Olive St in downtown Los Angeles and relaunched it as “Clifton’s Pacific Seas” with an impossible-to-miss 20-foot cliff-face and waterfall that we can see in this color photo. We can also see their slogan “PAY WHAT YOU WISH.” Having opened in the depth of the Depression, Clifford Clinton wanted to do his part, so his patrons were only obligated to pay whatever they could afford, including nothing at all. Interestingly, very few patrons accepted a free meal. It was worth their self-esteem to pay the only pennies they had in their pocket. The person who sent me this photo asked what year it was taken. I can only guesstimate it was in the early to mid 1950s. Can anyone narrow it down further?

Clifton’s closed in 2011, then reopened in 2015, then closed in 2018, then reopened as Clifton’s Republic in 2022. This image is from January 2023.  

From Diary of Vilma the Unconquerable,

Martin, little known facts I can share…this was the very first location established in 1931, later renovated from a plain moorish style building to this in 1938…. My mom Vilma worked as their professional photographer in the 1950’s at both the Pacific Seas tropical themed and the downtown redwood forest themed Broadway location. This rock facade was actually quite spectacular, it was like a Las Vegas show!! you can make out some of the detail like glowing neon flowers, a 20 foot real flowing waterfall in the center there, then at night there was mood lighting to make it look like moving glowing lava, the waterfall lit up at night in multi colors and you can also make out the real plants and fauna growing on the facade .. a full time gardener was employed to care for the facade. And wait until you got inside, it was a Polynesian paradise extravaganza … well I could go on and on, there was nothing like it ever!! Little do people know that Clifford Clinton was a smart business man, philanthropist and a SHOWMAN who knew how to attract clientele with his over the top themed locations!

1945, A crowd celebrates V-J Day in front of Clifton's Brookdale at 648 South Broadway on August 14, 1945.

All reacti

1945, A young child makes a wish at Clifton's Brookdale, 1945.  Thank you to Los Angeles Relics.  I am sure that me and my brothers made wishes in that same well back around 1967.

Susan Doran wrote, 

When I was in high school, I worked in this illustrious eatery, a multi-level place with no elevator.  I once slipped on Jello on a stairway while carrying a tray of hot coffee and slid down, spilling it all over.  I changed my pink uniform and went back to work at $1.10 an hour, plus tips. 

Clifton's Brookdale, 1939-2010.  Wikipedia gives some background, 

The second Clifton's facility opened in 1935 at 648 S Broadway. In 1939, its name was changed to 'Clifton's Brookdale', and as the sole survivor of the multiple branches over 79 years, it was known as 'Clifton's Cafeteria' or simply as "Clifton's". It had remained in operation for 74 years. The restaurant chain was noted for each facility having its own theme, and for aiding those who could not afford to pay. This approach to business reflected the owner's Christian ethos—he never turned anyone away hungry and maintained a precedent set by the first restaurant on Olive Street, known as "Clifton's Golden Rule". In 1946, Clifford and his wife Nelda sold their cafeteria interests to their three younger Clinton children, and retired to devote their attentions to a Meals for Millions, a non-profit charitable organization he founded in the wake of World War II to distribute food to millions of starving and malnourished people throughout the world.

1947, A smiling Clifton's founder, Clifford Clinton, in his office.  Thanks to Los Angeles Relics.