I drove by it many times during its heyday, but never stopped in or ate there. I think the combination of the fortress-like appearance (whereas you couldn't see inside) and the feminine name made me think it was a strip joint.
Anyway, Tiffany's held its Grand Opening fifty years ago this month. Above is the ad that ran in the Journal back on August 24, 1973.
An article (below) by Staff Writer Bob Cotleur ran in the paper on the same day.
"The structure has been totally remodeled. Inside walls have been moved and the dining areas as well as the lounge are thickly carpeted and plush. The motif is a Mediterranean turn-of-the century effect with Tiffany lampshades, maroon and bright red appointments and wide windows overlooking the lake."
Gee, now I know Tiffany refers to the lamps, not a stripper!
The article reveals the owners behind the restaurant: Jim Perrino, a noted organist who would provide entertainment); Karel Fiser (who also owned the Prague Restaurant in Vermilion); Loren Bachman; and Phil Provenzano, who ran the Philbo House in Huron some years earlier.
Tiffany's thrived for many years, as well as its sister restaurant in North Ridgeville near the Elyria border.
Today, there seems to be some activity recently at the former Tiffany's on West Erie, with a dumpster outside.
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That area of Lorain has been the subject of many blog posts over the years. This post about the Ed Blahay Transportation Company has a vintage aerial view of the property; I did a previous post about Tiffany's here in 2014; and this post shows how Edna's Restaurant used to occupy the building before Benny Hart's and Tiffany's.
There are also posts devoted to Skate World, Garwell's, the Lorain Drive-in Theatre and Ed's Place Motel.
Wasn’t there a Tiffany’s at Sheffield Center too? I think I remember it being on the front corner of the center and later became Chi-Chi’s.
ReplyDeleteThe building has that penitentiary look about it. Not exactly enticing.
ReplyDeleteDoesn’t look like a restaurant at all. I would think it was a strip joint as well. The Elyria location never looked like a restaurant either.
ReplyDelete