A Fascination with The Huddle restaurants .

One of my early memories of Googie appreciation came on a late afternoon in 1971. My father was meeting someone at Eastland Shopping Center in West Covina. While he talked with his friend, I wandered over to a vacant restaurant building in the parking lot. The sign on the building said "huddle" in playful casual lettering on a multi color background. I was immediately intrigued by the whimsical style of the place and placed my face against the smoked glass and attempted to get a better look inside. I don't remember much about what I saw in the interior, but I recall the look of abandonment and the place made an impression on me.

Fast forward to 2002 and I am beginning to put together the Photos of the Forgotten site and I recall the place. I begin to search on the internet for information, but the only thing I find are things related to the Huddle House chain back east which is still in business, but not related to these restaurants. I eventually learn that the buildings were also designed by the kings of coffee-shop modern, Armet & Davis. These guys were just so damn prolific in this style of building. I have been able to find some matchbooks, dinnerware and a postcard from the defunct chain.

My dad says that he used to go there once in a while after bowling at nearby lanes back in the 60s. I would love to hear from anyone who may have worked there or have stories and/or pictures related to the Huddle. Send 'em to me here.

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