On Saturday, as promised, I took the family to Shakey's Pizza in West Allis just as they opened for the day. There's a whole lot of memories wrapped up in that place and we needed to say goodbye since it was closing for good on the 30th.
I don't know if there's a Shakey's near you, as there are only a few left east of the Mississippi (including one in Warner Robbins GA, home of our nephew). In spite of that fact there are still over 400 in the world, mostly in Asia, but only 60 of the 200+ US restaurants are still kicking.
According to the owner their long-time franchise contract was running out, and if they were to keep the name Shakey's wanted them to completely remodel and scrap the famous pizza buffet (GASP!). The owner, acting both on principle and with his depleted wallet, said no, he'd rather close his doors.
And so we lost yet another childhood institution here in Milwaukee.
We all sat down for the buffet, grabbed our drinks from the beverage bar, and had our bellies cry goodnight for some of the best pizza (and wall signs) around.
Shakey's also boasted a small but packed game room, complete with tickets that earned you those classic Oriental Trader prizes.
We kinda cheated on behalf of Smiley on the basketball game
But playing from the legit distance, yours truly sank 11 shots in a row. Booyah baby!
Along with other trinkets, YaYa selected a heart pendant that came in two pieces (you know the type). When you put both together it says 'best friends' and she gave the other half to LuLu.
From the small world department who should sit next to us but an old employee of mine, one I famously fired for not only sleeping on the job but making a makeshift tent to accomplish the task. Still, she was a pip and when YaYa was only two she went to a great birthday party for the woman's daughter. Here's a shot of them together five years later
And a pic of Lump from the ride home
Goodnight sweet Shakey's! We never did get to have one of our kid's parties with you - ah regret! We'll miss you!
