The Old Spaghetti Factory in Louisville, Ky used to be a department store. It first opened in 1929 and served as the flagship store of the J. Marx & Sons chain. Unfortunately, the store and chain went bankrupt in 1959.
After the bankruptcy, James Thompson and his wife, Jane, purchased the building in 1972 and transformed it into The Old Spaghetti Factory restaurant. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite, and today it is a beloved part of Louisville’s dining scene.
The building itself is beautifully preserved and retains much of its original integrity, providing a unique and historic atmosphere for dining.
When was the Old Spaghetti Factory built?
The Old Spaghetti Factory was first founded in Portland, Oregon back in 1969 by Guss Dussin. It was later incorporated as a limited partnership in 1970, when Dussin purchased the building that would eventually become the flagship location of the Old Spaghetti Factory.
The building, a former warehousing facility located in the historic Ironworks Building, was built in 1912 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally, the Ironworks building was designed to manufacture custom-made decorations, expensive furnishings and ornamental iron salvaged from the line of sternwheelers that used to run between Astoria and Portland.
In 1915, it also served as a steel fabrication shop for the US Navy during World War I. After the war, the building was used as a warehouse by its new owner, the Tekamah Iron Works. By 1962, new concrete docks had been built on the Willamette River and the Tekamah Iron Works had moved away.
It was then that Guss Dussin first purchased the facility with plans to transform it into the Old Spaghetti Factory.
Since its establishment, the Old Spaghetti Factory has grown to include more than fifty locations across the United States and Canada, with more venues planned in the coming years. It remains a beloved favorite in the Pacific Northwest, not just for its delicious Italian-American fare but also because of its charming atmosphere, which still gives paying guests a chance to step back in time to 1912 and visit the old Ironworks Building.
How many locations does the Old Spaghetti Factory have?
The Old Spaghetti Factory currently has 43 locations spread across 10 states in the United States, 4 provinces in Canada, and 1 location in Japan. Locations are currently in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
In Canada, you can find the Old Spaghetti Factory in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. Lastly, for international fans, the Old Spaghetti Factory can also be found in one Tokyo, Japan location.
When did the Spaghetti Warehouse close?
The Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant chain abruptly closed its doors on March 22, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The family-owned chain had been in business for over 50 years and was popular for its Italian-American cuisine, which included spaghetti and lasagna, as well as other items such as pizza and sandwiches.
As a popular gathering spot for families, special occasions, and Sunday brunch, it was an unwelcome surprise for many when the business had to close due to the global pandemic. Despite efforts from the company, as well as its loyal customers, the restaurants closed for good.
How many old spaghetti factories are there in Canada?
At this time, it is difficult to determine exactly how many old spaghetti factories are located in Canada. The vast majority of Canadian spaghetti factories are located in the province of Ontario, with a handful in Quebec and a couple in Alberta.
Most of these factories have been in operation for decades, since the mid-20th century, when many companies began producing their own brand of spaghetti. The classic “Olde Spaghetti Factory” restaurant chain, which operated from 1975 to 1999, once had almost 40 locations across Canada.
Since the chain has since closed, the exact number of remaining old spaghetti factories currently operating in Canada is unknown. However, many of the existing old spaghetti factories in Canada are classic family-run establishments that have been open and running for generations.
What is spumoni ice cream?
Spumoni ice cream is an Italian-American frozen dessert that originated in the 19th century. It is a mix of several different flavors of ice cream combined to create a unique and delicious combination.
Typically, spumoni contains layers of chocolate, cherry, and pistachio flavored ice cream, with each layer containing candied fruits, chopped nuts, and cream-filled chocolate chips. Spumoni is typically served in decorative molds, so that each scoop features all of the flavors, nuts, and fruits in a beautiful presentation.
It can also be served as a cake-like dessert, with layers of ice cream, candied fruit and nuts, and sometimes a layer of chocolate or other syrups. Spumoni is often served with a side of whipped cream and/or cherries.
It is an indulgent and excitingly flavorful treat that is a favorite of many ice cream lovers.
Where is Millionaire Row St. Louis?
Millionaire Row St. Louis is located on St. Louis Avenue between Fourth and Twenty-Second Streets in the city’s historic midtown area. It is a historic district of turn-of-the-century homes, many of them in the Queen Anne, Georgian Revival, and Dutch Colonial Revival styles.
Many of the houses that were once the homes of St. Louis’ most affluent citizens still retain their original grandeur, although there are also scattered pockets of homes that have been modernized. It is a favorite destination for St.
Louisans who wish to take a stroll through architectural history. This area is also a popular destination for film crews, as some of the exteriors of the buildings have been used in numerous films.
Why are there so many abandoned buildings in St. Louis?
There are a variety of factors that have led to the prevalence of abandoned buildings in St. Louis. Firstly, the city has experienced a decline in population in recent years, which has led to many businesses and industries leaving the city due to not being able to generate enough revenue.
As a result, a large number of buildings have been left vacant and are unable to be reused.
The recession of 2008 had an especially devastating effect on St. Louis, with many businesses laying off employees and struggling to make a profit. This led to a decrease in local tax revenue and a reduced budget for upkeep and maintenance of buildings, causing more and more to become abandoned.
Additional economic factors have led to the abandonment of many buildings in St. Louis. With the cost of labor and materials increasing, it has become increasingly expensive for businesses to maintain and upgrade their buildings.
This has led to many businesses opting for demolition instead of renovation and has left a large number of vacant buildings in St. Louis.
Unfortunately, the result of all these factors has led to a significant number of abandoned buildings in St. Louis. With a decreased population, businesses leaving, and rising costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult to put these buildings back into use.
However, many local organizations are working to bring new life to St. Louis and its abandoned buildings, with innovative uses such as adaptive reuse.
What happened to the Spaghetti Warehouse in Philadelphia?
The Spaghetti Warehouse in Philadelphia, which was originally located in an old brick building near the Reading Terminal Market in Old City Philadelphia, closed in 2020 after serving the community for nearly 30 years.
The closure ended a long history of Italian-American family dining in the city.
The restaurant had been a popular spot for families, tourists, and locals alike for many years before finally deciding to close its doors. It was known for its “family style” Italian dining, which included pasta, meatballs, and mozzarella.
However, the exact reason for its closing is not known, although many speculate that the rising cost of rent, labor, and other expenses may have contributed to their decision.
The Spaghetti Warehouse was replaced by another restaurant, called the Bar at Reading Terminal Market. The new restaurant, which opened in 2021, is a craft beer and whiskey bar, a welcome addition to the food scene in Old City Philadelphia.
The closure of the Spaghetti Warehouse was bittersweet for many people, as it represented the end of an era.