Welcome to the Tiki Central 2.0 Beta. Read the announcement
Celebrating classic and modern Polynesian Pop

Tiki Central / Locating Tiki / Clark's Islander Restaurant, Tacoma, WA (Restaurant)

Post #493152 by abstractiki on Tue, Nov 10, 2009 6:38 PM

You are viewing a single post. Click here to view the post in context.

Dug these gems up for ya Taboo!

Tacoma Public Library has this information listed in its archives:


Islander Restaurant Exterior, Tacoma Washington 1957

"Date: 12-04-1957 Exterior of Islander Restaurant with neon palm tree. The Islander, located in the Perkins Bldg. at S. 11th & A St., advertised itself as "Tacoma's Smart Charcoal Broiler Restaurant" where people could enjoy "######### and Dining in a Tropical Atmosphere." In May, 1957, the restaurant changed hands when Walter F. Clark returned to Tacoma after an absence of 30 years to include the Islander in his chain of Northwest restaurants. Mr. Clark had first opened Manning's Coffee Shop on 11th & Broadway in 1925. His chain of dining establishments included Clark's Red Apple in Bellevue, the Red Carpet in downtown Seattle and Clark's Village Chef in the University District, and were well-known for their delicious food. Clark's Islander would have a warm, exotic Polynesian atmosphere with special dishes in agreement with the motif, and other tasty meals ranging from 80 cents and onward for lunches and $1.75 and above for dinners. Plenty of free parking was available."


Islander Restaurant Interior, Tacoma Washington 1957

"Date: 12-04-1957 Interior of Clark's Islander Restaurant. Keeping with the Polynesian motif, Clark's Islander restaurant was noted for its casual, tropical atmosphere complete with anthuriums, "Hawaiian" decor, and even "stars" in the ceiling. Returning to Tacoma after an absence of 30 years, Walter Clark took control of the Islander and included it in his chain of fine Seattle and Bellevue restaurants. Diners could order Polynesian specialties as well as the traditional menu, including roast beef carved by a chef. Clark pledged to bring to Tacoma the same high quality cuisine, service and hospitality enjoyed by those in his other dining establishments."

Happy Hunting!
Abstractiki