Happy birthday to Carol-Le Elliott! When Carol-Le’s boyfriend convinced her to try one of our burgers several years ago, she had no idea she would fall in love with Town Topic. She has now made lunch at Town Topic her birthday tradition, driving every year from St. Joseph, Missouri. Carol-Le, we adore you as much as you adore us! Happy birthday!
A belated shout out to Ed Gash from Swindon, England! Ed has stopped by Town Topic each of the past three years while he’s here to compete in the American Royal BBQ. He and his team finished 7th in the brisket category in 2013, and 3rd in the chicken category in 2012 – an incredibly difficult feat considering that thousands compete in the competition. BBQ is gaining popularity in England thanks to people like Ed. Can’t wait to see you next fall, Ed! Check out his team at BunchofSwines.com
“It was Feb. 10th, 1973 – the day I was leaving for basic training, about an hour before the bus left for Fort Leonard Wood. I decided to have a real hamburger and fries because I did not know what was ahead of me. So I took a walk over to Town Topic and did just that….. I will remember that meal til the day I die….”
Steve Woods was just 17 years old when he voluntarily signed up to serve our country. Now, thirty years later, we are happy to still see his friendly face at our counter. We are indebted to Steve and to millions of others like him who have selflessly vowed to protect the United States and the freedoms we hold dear…freedoms we often take for granted. Today, on Veterans Day, we remember and honor all who have served our country.
Hats off to 80-year-old Wesley Lona, Jr., who has been coming into Town Topic since he was 3 years old! Yep, that means he’s been a Town Topic customer since we opened our doors in 1937! Wesley remembers when you could get a hamburger, chips and drink all for under $1. Ahhh, the good ‘ole days! Thanks for being such a loyal customer, Wesley!
In honor of Father’s Day we would like to say a special thank you to the Frazier family, a fine group of men and fathers who have made Town Topic a family tradition.Edward Sr. has been coming to TT for more than 60 years – 60 years!
His son, Edward Jr., used to work across the street from TT in the 1970s. He would order “a sack a day”, meaning six burgers a day! …
Edward Jr. began bringing his son, Adam, into TT when Adam was just 5 years old. Adam has been a regular customer of ours ever since. He now carries on the family tradition by bringing in his 5 year old son, Anthony.
So, happy Father’s Day to Edward Sr., Edward Jr., and Adam Frazier. And Anthony, we hope we have the privilege of seeing you and your son at our counter in 20 or 30 years! Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
So nice to have Charlie and Betha Regan at our counter last week! They used to own Regan’s Restaurant, another KC landmark. Who remembers Regan’s? There was one at 80th and Metcalf and another on Wyandotte. Thanks for stopping in!
In honor of Memorial Day, we would like to pay tribute to a group of Vietnam veterans who recently stopped by Town Topic.During the Viet Nam War a task force was created to keep the Cua Viet River open for supply lines to the Marines. The “men” on this force were between the ages of 16 and 22, with teams of 5-6 men patrolling the river by boat each night. These men relied on each other to stay alive, and watched as their buddies died. They believed they would remain in co…ntact forever. However, after returning home they were treated horribly by our country, and they put their war memories to back of their mind.
One of the task force members, John Holt, began trying to reconnect with his war buddies after he retired. To date, 33 servicemen have been found. Their third reunion was recently held in Kansas City, where the men spent 5 days in stories and tears. Each believes they could navigate the river with their eyes closed, and many do each night in nightmares more real than waking life.
Please visit their website at http://69lima70.wix.com/
Back row – John Holt, Mark Reynolds, Dave Anderson, Mickey Lowe, Steve Maulk
Front Row – Wesley Knopfel, Pat Flowers, Don Digiralomo, Greg Ashby
Happy belated 50th anniversary to Mike and Kay Dryden! Thanks for stopping by Town Topic and making us part of your celebration. Congratulations!
Thanks to Bella, who has been bringing her mom, Tara to TT every week for years! Bella loves making happy faces on her hamburgers
“It was Feb. 10th, 1973 – the day I was leaving for basic training, about an hour before the bus left for Fort Leonard Wood. I decided to have a real hamburger and fries because I did not know what was ahead of me. So I took a walk over to Town Topic and did just that….. I will remember that meal til the day I die….”