What was the world like in 1929?
It was the end of the Roaring 20s. Declining real estate values and an October stock market crash sent the country spiriling into the Great Depression. The first Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles. The German airship Graf Zeppelin flew around the world in 21 days. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place in Chicago. The Geneva Convention addressed the treatment of prisoners of war and Herbert Hoover was inaugurated as our 31st President, succeeding Calvin Coolidge.
Here in Downtown Phoenix, a friendly neighborhood watering hole and restaurant opened under the name of Tom’s.
A lot has changed in Downtown since 1929 but Tom’s is still sitting on the corner of Central and Washington, serving up hearty meals and much-needed spirits to a wide range of patrons–from working-class Joes and business-types to Governors and Congressmen–and providing stability and comfort in times of unrest.
This week Tom’s Tavern is marking its 80th Anniversary and to celebrate, owner Mike Ratner is offering 49-cent rollback cups of his famous chili, plus $4.99 Blue Plate Specials. Also, every day at 3 p.m., patrons can enjoy complimentary cake and soft drinks (while supplies last).
On Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m., Tom’s will host a Speak-Easy Night, with blackjack and poker games, food and refreshments, and some very special guests. Benefit gambling proceeds will be donated to Packages from Home, which supports our men and women in the military serving our country overseas.
Tom’s survived the Depression and is outlasting the extended recession. Come by and celebrate the resiliency and legacy of a Downtown dining institution.
For more information on the week’s schedule of anniversary events at Tom’s Tavern, call 602-258-1688 or visit tomstavernphoenix.com.