Back in the late 60's Shakey's Pizza was popular. I believe the one we went to most often was in New Westminster and but we also went to one in Bellingham, Washington. I was part of the birthday club and each year I received in the mail a postcard that gave me a free root beer, a small pizza, a prize, and something else I think, though I really don't recall. I loved going there each year with a small group of girlfriends for my birthday party.
Sometime in the early 1970's, Aaron's opened in Cloverdale on 57th Avenue near 176A Street. It was a Shakey's knock off. Inside were picnic tables and the place served pizza. I recall going there in Grade 10 when one of my friends was having a Halloween party and her parents took a small group of girls there for dinner. It was OK, but it was no Shakey's.
Over the years Aaron's evolved into a pizza and steak restaurant and the picnic tables were replaced with normal dining tables. I often walked my dogs past the restaurant in the early evening and watched the diners enjoying the Tuesday night pasta specials. Oddly enough we never went there to dine. One day I noticed their specials were extended and available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. So after all these years we went in for dinner on a fall evening last year. I ordered the cannelloni only to be told they didn't have any. I chose another pasta dish that was suitable for my vegetarian needs. Obviously it was not memorable because I have no idea what I ordered, but the food was OK. Again, it was no Shakey's!
The worst part about the dining experience was a group at another table on the other side of the room who brought in a baby who was being fussy. An older female staffer came over and took the baby, I suppose to give the parents a break. And for all I know the woman was one of the owners of the restaurant, even though she was the person serving us. She sat down at the empty table behind us with the baby and proceeded to be very annoying by talking baby talk very loudly until we had enough and got up to leave.
The food wasn't memorable but the annoying lady with the baby talk sure was.
Ah for the old days. Shakey's is now defunct around BC. I remember the old Shakey's commercials about going there for the pizza. A quick search on You Tube brings back those days.
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