Thompson, Ronald 1980-03-20,21
Ronald Thompson reviewed renovation and business operations of the Depot Restaurant and Bar in Lubbock.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Ronald Thompson
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: March 20-21, 1980
Location: Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: Russell Hill
Length: 15 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Thompson, Ronald,
He is owner of the Depot Restaurant and Bar in Lubbock,
He joined the company in May 1973,
He became owner in November 1973,
They opened for business in June 1976,
The building was purchased from Burlington Northern and Ft. Worth/Denver RR,
It was built about 1928, used as passenger depot until 1953,
It was later leased as warehouse, Texas Salvage, and a brick company,
Renovation took 2 1/2 years,
Woodwork was damaged, ceiling and roof problems,
Terrazzo tile and bench in entrance is original,
He and a work crew did most repairs,
Plumbing and electrical were hired out,
The restaurant theme and décor is “turn of the century”,
They bought antiques in New Mexico and Texas,
People contacted them with furniture items,
The bar is from a soda fountain in Estancia, New Mexico,
The bar top is a drafting table from Baltimore,
Marble front had a crack,
They spent 4-5 months obtaining furnishings,
The beer cooler is oak with curved glass,
Formerly for ice blocks, they wired it for electric,
The building is now a designated historical landmark,
Nine month process by the city for the application,
Tax advantages and publicity,
There are 65 part-time employees,
First-time customers are attracted to the antiques,
Repeat customers return for the food and service,
They have no expansion plans,
Last summer a Beer Garden was added,
Landscaping for it in the former passenger loading area,
They do not plan any major menu changes,
[Tape ends after 15 minutes.].
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1973-1980
Bulk Dates: 1973-1980
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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