In 1971 and early 1972, Ernie & Jewel, the owners of the Log House Inn in Marblemount expanded their business by constructing an addition on the southwest corner of the original roadhouse, They were anticipating lots of new seasonal business once the new North Cascades Highway opened the next year. The new addition, designed for quick service and a limited burgers-fries-shakes menu, was named Ma Greene's Drive-In. It was hoped it would function to fulfill demand for simple fare, and free up seating for the full-service inside restaurant inside the Inn for the expected influx of travelers. Mara, their daughter, would operate the new facility.
The highway opened on Labor Day 1972, and the Drive-In was as busy as hoped, with a booming level of business until the route over the Cascades was finally blocked due to winter snows. Mara, however, was not looking forward to any other high-stress seasons going forward. In the spring of 1973, she approached Dan & Sarah, who had arrived in Marblemount in early 1972. Dan had worked at restaurant planning & operations, and both he and Sarah (ex-Peace Corps volunteers) had small business experience. After negotiating an agreement with Ernie & Jewel, which provided them full management control in exchange for the owners earning a commission on gross sales, they agreed to take over the operation
For the following two seasons in 1973 and 1974, Ma Greene's with its new unique take on what a quick service menu could look like, garnered raves and lots of repeat customers. Dan & Sarah got to know their frequent customers, and lots of folks in the area. This included the contingent from Clark Road, denizens from Ilabot Creek, the Hot Shots, rangers & seasonals at the national park and others in the vibrant community of those days. Heather, now a preschooler, napped under the counters in the drive-in while her parents made sandwiches and served the food out the food delivery window. She became good friends with Jenny Wren, pulled behind Patrica in a little wagon, a long walk from Clark Road for a little girl.
Success spelled the end of Ma Greene's. Soon travelers made a stop there a preference, and when the window service had a waiting line of eager customer, at the same time there might be empty seats inside the Inn. The operating agreement was terminated after the 1974 season. The facility later was turned into an auxiliary prep kitchen for the Inn.
Some of the unique and most-appreciated menu items were to reappear on Mountain Song's menu a few years later.
Comments
Post a Comment