Name:The Lanai
Type:restaurant
Street:4070 El Camino Real
City:San Mateo
State:CA
Zip:94403
country:USA
Phone:415-345-1242
Status:defunct
Description:
The Lanai restaurant in San Mateo was built in 1950 adjacent to the Villa Chartier restaurant which had been in place since 1925. The two restaurants were situated in a plaza that later became know as Villa Square with the addition of the Villa Hotel, which opened in August 1956.
From a 1957 magazine interview with the owner Mr. Emerson Murfee...
"The Villa Chartier, with a seating capacity of 90, was purchased by me in 1944. Since then we have continuously enlarged the restaurant until it now seats more than 750 persons. For a long time I had planned an authentic Hawaiian restaurant. Consequently, in 1950, The Lanai was built adjoining the Villa Chartier. Several years ago a group of us discussed the need for a beautiful, first-class hotel to serve the rapidly-growing peninsula area. Shortly after we purchased the five acres adjacent to the Villa Chartier and The Lanai. We toured the U.S., looking at new hotels, searching for new ideas to serve guests better. We finally opened the Villa Hotel in August 1956 with 225 rooms, all air-conditioned, with radio, television and music."
The Lanai became an icon for residents of the mid-peninsula south of San Francisco, many having fond memories highlighted by several unique features:
- A constantly changing 3-dimensional mural that would gradually shift from night to day and back
- The Side Winder's Fang cocktail
- A collection of Barney West tikis both inside and outside
- An utterly unique "signature" tiki that appeared on the drink menu, a custom mug, swizzles, and the front entry doors
- Private party rooms, the Moongate Room and the Sky Room
- An iconic palm tree neon sign that was echoed in the adjacent Lanai Liquors that was added to the Villa Square
When The Lanai was originally built in 1950, the area in San Mateo was largely undeveloped. In approximately the same mid-50s era, several neighboring features were developed in the area, which became major draws for this part of the peninsula, including the Villa Square with the restaurants and hotel, the Hillsdale Mall, and the Bel-Mateo Bowl.
The Lanai underwent several remodels to increase capacity and also repair roof problems, so in some cases it's difficult to reconcile different photos with stages in its history.
Emerson Murfee quoted again, from the back of the dinner menu, 1960 or later...
"Since that day more than ten years ago when the hand-carved door of The Lanai opened for the first time, we had dreamed of an even more luxurious setting for you to enjoy. And now this dream has come true. The colorful waterfall wall... the exotic orchid plants in full bloom... the authentic luau pit where the suckling pig is prepared for the festive occasion... all have been inspired by the lovely island of Lanai in the fabled Hawaiian group. As you enjoy the food of the Indies, the Orient and Hawaii... as you sip your tropical drink... we wish you well. May you return soon and often to the gentle pleasures of the Lanai."
Unfortunately The Lanai closed in the late 80s (date?). The Villa Chartier restaurant was closed as well, and the Villa Square was broken up into a Walgreens and other stores, with the Villa Hotel and Lanai Liquors remaining. In the intervening time, a second location for The Lanai was opened for a short period (anyone have facts to contribute?) at another location in San Mateo, about 3 miles away on Norfolk Street. Also, the Lanai Liquors has since changed owners and operates under a different name, and the Villa Hotel has been converted to senior assisted living.
