On Jun 22, 8:13*am, "l, not -l" > wrote:
> On 22-Jun-2010, Kalmia > wrote:
>
> > Five and dime counters were strictly for a real quick burger -- 30
> > cents, IIRC.
>
> Drugstores too. *Back in the day (late '50s, early '60s) the major drug
> stores all had lunch counters too. *Here (STL) the major drugstores were
> Rexall and Katz; Rexall had great burgers, fountain drinks and ice cream
> cones and sundaes. *Katz had a wider variety of food, the standard fountain
> items; but, my favorite was limeade, made fresh all summer long and served
> in a tall glass you could keep for a small additional charge (5-10
> cents???). * To this day, I still drink limeade in the hotest, muggiest part
> of summer (like now).
>
> Sadly, Rexall was run into the ground by a CEO who rapidly expanded the
> company until it imploded. * Katz was bought out by Skaggs which was bought
> out by Walgreens.

Rexall was not a chain, but a buyers' co-op like True Value Hardware.
Each store was independently owned; they banded together to be able to
buy nationally branded products and benefit from nationwide promotion.
Rexall sponsored retwork radio shows such as Amos 'n' Andy and Phil
Harris-Alice Faye, keeping the brand fresh in consumers' minds: "Good
Health to All.... from Rexall!"

>
> Fortunately, we still have a lunch counter in my community; it's a stand
> alone, maybe 20 seats (roughly half booth, half stools at the counter) and
> been in business since the 40s. * You can get a plate lunch (open-face roast
> beef with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans is a good choice) or
> sandwiches (good burgers, I like 'em with grilled onions). *Breakfast on the
> cheap, the blueberry pancakes are locally renowned. *Heck, there's even
> scrapple for the geezers who seem to love it.

The businessman's lunch and the Blue Plate Special.