I was a piano player at Shakey's. I started playing there in the 70's and continued working for them until they started winding down the live entertainment. I played at many of the SoCal locations, West Covina, Hacienda Heights, Duarte, Hollywood, etc. Five hours a night, five nights a week. I can honestly say that these were some of the best times of my life. In reading the comments I realize that others also have the same happy memories. Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end.....

@josephgaviota

3 жыл бұрын

How great !!

@hotrox2112

3 жыл бұрын

good on you Dan for contributing to the Americana golden era of our times. Cheers!

@sheerwillsurvival2064

3 жыл бұрын

Bess you Dan you gave a lot of people joy

@Utubesanarc

3 жыл бұрын

I never got to the musicians but plenty of arcades

@Steven-xd5kn

3 жыл бұрын

Ha, that's cool. Grew up in Pomona in '60s and '70s. My Grandma lived in West Covina.

My grandmother hated cooking Christmas Eve dinner, too many events all at once I suppose, so in the late 70’s she said “we’re all going to pizza” on Xmas eve, and shakeys was the closest pizza place so it’s where we went every Xmas eve. While my brother and I played games, a parent would sneak out and run back to my grandmas house and put presents out. Santa always came early to her place and we would open after pizza. We followed this tradition until she died 5 years ago. Shakeys had closed of course but I will never forget all the times we went there.

My dad was approached to invest in Shakey's in the early 60s. My dad said, "Who would name an Italian pizza place Shakey's?", "who wants to see their pizza being made?", And "picnic tables inside?"...and didn't invest. We could have been pizza millionaires.

@christophertracy2807

3 жыл бұрын

Not to mention all the free pizza you could have gotten

@buddyg1408

3 жыл бұрын

A co, named after fruit A co, named after a river A co named after a 1 with a hundred zeros That's some Shaky stuff 😂

@jfinder7417

9 ай бұрын

Was your dad a middle school teacher at Winston Churchill in Carmichael CA that taught Civics? I recall one of my teachers telling us this same story.

@tony_25or6to4

9 ай бұрын

@@jfinder7417 no, but they approached a lot of people in the early days.

@johnalexander7490

2 ай бұрын

In my opinion, the Shakey's format was unequaled by any restaurant. In the early 70's, we used to frequent one in Tulsa when I was 4-5 years old. I vividly remember the Lucite see-thru Player Piano (all the insides were painted fluorescent colors) they had, and have tried IN VAIN to find ANY picture of the piano. I remember their Seeburg juke hooked into the speakers throughout the restaurant. The player piano worked for a dime, and they even let me change the roll on the piano to play a different tune (I was very careful!). MISS those days. When we moved to Texas, they had 2 Shakey's left in Austin, but those closed in 1980 and became Godfather's, which are now gone from our area too. Pizza Hut is the only one who even comes close.

Back when they called them pizza parlors. It was almost as much of an event as it was for going out for pizza.

@MeeMee-gz5vp

3 жыл бұрын

Yesss and Shakey’s was the Friday night hangout spot for us teens lol

@MrPacedan

2 жыл бұрын

I never saw a band...but it was a thrill for a 5 yr old...Im 62 yr old saved Chrisatian now....its LATE in the day...late in HIS story

I once managed a Shakey's in Milwaukee. I think we had the best pizza I have ever had. The fried chicken and mojo potatoes were great also. Those were the days of good fun and family get-togethers. Sitting here now, I can still hear the banjo and piano players we had. Seems things have gone to hell in a handbasket since those days. I am glad I was a part of those times.

@JDavidHopkins

3 жыл бұрын

It’s amazing that the best-tasting pizza ever is now a relic!

@AMX86

3 жыл бұрын

Great memories. As a kid we went to the Sgakeys in West Allis. Great high school mem oi ries and real good pizza. Wish we still had that.

@arlenbell4376

3 жыл бұрын

Yes - like so many great memories from a time now long gone. Glad to have experienced them.

@xqqqme

3 жыл бұрын

You ought to hear my 88-yr old mother-in-law and father-in-law talk about the Sixties. To them, *that* was when everything was "going to hell in a hand basket" (race riots, anti-war protests, sexual liberation, etc). To hear them talk, those weren't good times. I'm not saying they are right...just noting how different perspectives can be.

@velvetunderground9835

3 жыл бұрын

We took my eighty some year old great grandma to the one in Kenosha for her BDay back in the seventies. Great times!

The photo with Eddie Van Halen is at the Pasadena, California Shakey's. I lived around the corner from that Shakeys for 18 years in the 60's and 70's. It was located at 2180 East Foothill Blvd. I used to see Eddie in there often. He was actually our paper boy when he delivered the Pasadena Star News on his bycycle.

@TammyFox1989

3 жыл бұрын

Oh My God! - That is Too Cool!!! 😉👍

@_kass3939

3 жыл бұрын

I ate at this one as a kid in the 70’s until they built one closer to home. Such fun and happy times.

@bendrumr1182

3 жыл бұрын

@@TammyFox1989 True story. I grew up in Pasadena. knew Eddie as a paperboy and than as a band at the local parties.

@bendrumr1182

3 жыл бұрын

@@_kass3939 I still love their pizza. still kinda tastes the same. I have to go to the location in Upland, CA now. Pasadena Shakey's is long gone.

@cratecruncher6687

3 жыл бұрын

I can't believe Van Halen had to wait so many years playing clubs and parties in the heart of the record industry for someone to discover one of the greatest guitar bands in rock. They were instant millionaires once that debut album dropped.

In the mid 1960's my dad had a steady gig playing old time music at a Shakey's in southern California, usually playing mandolin, with another fellow on piano. Thanks for stirring up some happy memories from my childhood.

I am living here on Okinawa, Japan and we have Shakey’s. Its like time has stood still here. We also have A&W Resteraunt with the drive up booths to park your car.

@awsomeguy1278

3 жыл бұрын

That’s so awesome!

@pbarnwell

3 жыл бұрын

I visited a shakey’s in Okinawa right outside the Air Force base... in the mid 80’s I was excited to see the place... but I thought the pizza tasted like .. a picture of a pizza... no flavor at all

@jonkrispeterson6678

3 жыл бұрын

I am glad you confirmed this. I was in Okinawa 18 months ago and was sure I saw a Shakey’s there.

@DavidWilliams-so2dy

3 жыл бұрын

Greetings and good will from the US.👍😎

@JaxonSmithers

2 жыл бұрын

It's probably warmer there than it is here too, I should go!

Long time ago,I proposed to my girlfriend at the one in Alexandra,Va. No credit back then. After paying for the ring,not much left. God Bless her. She is in Heaven now.

@raad684

3 жыл бұрын

🌹

@kat35lulu88

3 жыл бұрын

Those were good times. I miss them. Sending you a KZread hug......

@eddiemunster4094

3 жыл бұрын

Well that's sad only Jesus makes life worth while🙏

@dianebathauer3860

3 жыл бұрын

@@eddiemunster4094 yes He surely does, especially in evil times like these.🙏🏻

@samiam619

3 жыл бұрын

@@dianebathauer3860 the only thing evil is the GOP and shitheads who won’t wear mask/get the vaccine.

Fond memories. When you’re eight or nine years old, the excitement really started to build when you opened the door with the multi-colored stained glass circles!

@mikejohnson-dl7vt

3 жыл бұрын

And the smells+Player piano 🎹😋

@LazyIRanch

3 жыл бұрын

I'm remembering the unique and wonderful smell when we first walked in. It's a combination of black olive, sausage, yeasty dough, beer and a whole lot of other things that combined could only be Shakey's! If I was kidnapped and driven many miles to an original Shakey's while blindfolded, I'd know while still in the parking lot where I was just by the aroma.

@stankakol5195

3 жыл бұрын

Bob, I agree!! I have the exact same memories as you do.

@JENDALL714

3 жыл бұрын

@@LazyIRanch Funny, you don't get that smell at Chuck E. Cheese. I used to work at Chuck E. Cheese in the late 90's, I was the game repairman. The pizza there was just below average, with teenagers making paint by numbers pizza, they had a picture of a pizza, that showed you exactly how to make the pizza, step by step.

@LazyIRanch

3 жыл бұрын

@@JENDALL714 Have you heard this song, "Chuck E. Cheese Hell"? If not, you need to! And, you're welcome! LoL kzread.info/dash/bejne/eWisyZiQlaWej6Q.html

In 1971 for my 15th birthday my mom took me to the movie to see "Evel Knievel" and then to Shakey's in Lansing, MI. Its been like, ...a hundred years ago and it is the only birthday I still remember.

@christophertracy2807

3 жыл бұрын

My 12th birthday party in 1977 was at Shakey's - it was the first pizza place I can remember and the only birthday party I ever had.

Back in the 70s I worked near a Shakey's. Used to go have their "Bunch A Lunch" a few times a month and I would wash it all down with a pitcher of beer, then used Certs and gum the rest of the day so no one knew I was drinking at lunch ! Ahh, memories !

Wow.....what memories this brings back. My brother (resting in peace now) and I loved to go to Shakey's. Never failed when Mom and Dad where we wanted to eat, "Shakey's" was always our answer. They don't make pizza like it anymore and we loved watching them make the pizza through the window!!! Thank you for the memories.

@Utubesanarc

3 жыл бұрын

Yea I loved how they'd keep some pizzas heated in the front so you could see the craftsmanship

I loved Shakeys as a kid in the 70's. They had a glass window and you could watch your pizza being made, dart boards and a large projector screen on the wall with music sing a longs ( with the bouncing yellow ball ). It was so much fun... And the pizza and MoJo's were awesome! I still call potato wedges MoJo's :)

@joyceb9502

3 жыл бұрын

Me too !, love mo jo’s - lol yum yum

@JM-xu3cr

3 жыл бұрын

I have the same memories from the same era. And, I still have one of those Shakeys hats. It's a treasure.

@Utubesanarc

3 жыл бұрын

@@joyceb9502 dipped in ketchup...😋

@michaeltwomey4800

2 жыл бұрын

@@joyceb9502 Ranch...

@joyceb9502

2 жыл бұрын

@@michaeltwomey4800 yes both ! Ketchup and ranch 👍

One of my fondest memories from my freshman year in college was when my friend, Hector, and I snuck away from class that day at 11am to go eat at Shakey’s Pizza. We sat and ate everything in sight from pizza, fried chicken, awesome fries, desserts, etc. until 3pm when the lunch buffet had ended. It was a fun experience although it turned into something quite uncomfortable because of stomach troubles for a couple of days! Loved it though and would likely try it again if I were 18! 🍕🍗🍟🍰

"Shakey paid his bills with a smile, but the bank wanted money. Please don't put cigarette butts in the glasses. They get wet and soggy and are difficult for employees to light." Free mini pizza for kids on their birthday if they belonged to the birthday club. Shakeys sent birthday pizza notice in the mail. Made a lot of money off us as there were five kids. Nice memories there. Our Shakeys had a wood fireplace that they kept burning in the winter.

@Utubesanarc

3 жыл бұрын

Yes mine too here in CA...such a warm atmosphere and unique experience

@jkdm7653

3 жыл бұрын

I remember: "Shakey made a deal with the bank: they won't make pizza, and he won't cash checks"! Better days, long gone!

Imagine being a kid, going to a Shakey's Pizza and then a Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor for dessert on your birthday. You would NEVER forget that! 🍕🥳🍧

This is the sort of treasure that just does not exist today. A Dixieland band playing, pizza, potatoes and chicken. Video games. What fun. Fond memories.

@ciello___8307

3 жыл бұрын

Still exists in california!

@bubba6989

2 жыл бұрын

Come to Los Angeles, its still here

@dianeespinoza8647

Жыл бұрын

The pizza and atmosphere is different. I grew up in SoCal and didn’t enjoy it after the change.

My neighbors Earl and Ethel lesher use to play piano, drums, and saxophone at redding, ca shakeys on the weekends back in the 70s. Ethel lesher made it onto the Johnny Carson show at 103 yrs old and played piano.

I LOVED Shakey's Pizza... it was so fun to watch old time movies, listen to the player piano, and sit by the fireplace while eating pizza. Thank you for this video... such awesome memories ♥♥♥

@ostrichgirl3810

3 жыл бұрын

They had a window inside for kids to watch through the glass while they made all the pizzas.😎

@HighSpeedNoDrag

3 жыл бұрын

Shakey's Pizza use to have birthday parties and it's crazy thinking about it.

@Imjustsaying-ps3jp

3 жыл бұрын

We would go to shakey's after our soccer games

Here's a little bit of history... Sherwood was a friend of my Dad and asked my Dad to go in to business and form a pizza parlor. My father declined because he was in the aftermarket automotive business. At that point, Sherwood and Ed became partners. The original Shakey's was located at the corner of J and 57th street in Sacramento. My grandparents home was on 57th street as well and when we would visit our grandparents, we would walk down to Shakey's with our cousins and family for dinner. A big treat for us kids. The original Shakey's is no longer there.

@Erin60147

3 жыл бұрын

I also grew up in east sacramento in 60’s and 70’s and ate at the J street location many times. A lot of fun.

@jonicarter4617

3 жыл бұрын

Same here, sure do miss those days!

@nunyabiz6925

3 жыл бұрын

I remember those times too back in sactown

In the mid-1970s, I played piano at various Shakeys in Pomona, CA and in Orange county. It was a lot of fun!

After watching this and seeing all these great comments I just went out to our Shakeys and had pizza and mojos. Sometimes you don't realize how good the little things still are like being lucky enough to still have a Shakeys here in Redlands,Ca. when most of them are gone now. Still love those wooden benches!!

6:11 That's a great photo of Eddie Van Halen! We miss you Eddie! R.I.P. brother! I loved Shakey's as a kid in the early to mid '70s. Our local joint was in Hayward, CA. It was a lot of fun with great pizza and a film projector showing The Little Rascals, Three Stooges, and a plethora of cartoons. What a great time to be a kid!

Our Shakey's Pizza Parlor had silent movies running on the far wall, typically Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, etc.

@nunyabidniz2868

3 жыл бұрын

Ours too! Foothill Blvd. just west of Craig Ave in Pasadena, CA. Sizzlers was on that corner, & In&Out Burger was diagonally across from them east of Craig. If you wanted sushi back then, your only option was the Tropical Fish pet shop diagonally across the street from In&Out... 🤣

@KB4QAA

3 жыл бұрын

My favorite was being introduced to Flash Gordon movies there!

@joetorres9892

3 жыл бұрын

Ours had hardcore porn..

@joesmith4222

3 жыл бұрын

When I went to the ones in the early 70s they where called SHAKEY'S STRAW HAT PIZZA PARLOR.

@joesmith4222

3 жыл бұрын

@@joetorres9892 hard popcorn? Ours had soft popcorn and a piano.

I miss Shakey's . Someone should really revive it. I remember silent movies and sing-a- longs. Great times.

@bubba6989

2 жыл бұрын

Shakey's isn't gone! Its just its almost exclusively Southern California now, and I think one in Sacramento

@eutimiochavez415

2 жыл бұрын

Yessss

@sonhuynh8222

Жыл бұрын

@@bubba6989 I just had their lunch buffet this week in Temecula CA ! ❤

@brigidmccarthy5800

Жыл бұрын

Me to we used to have one in Indianapolis love the bouncing ball sing-alongs

Back when people actually went out to eat as a social experience. Unlike today ordering in from your phone app, answering your door and getting your food, and then jumping back onto your cell phone for the evening. Love seeing old clips like this, not a person with their head tilted down staring at some damn phone in sight!

@ciello___8307

2 жыл бұрын

they still do . . . There's still Shakey's in California

@sonhuynh8222

Жыл бұрын

@@ciello___8307 yes ! Went to the one in temecula ca last week !

Wow, I remember how excited I'd get the nights my parents announced we'd be having dinner out at Shakey's. The pizza was the best and the restaurant was just a lot of fun. That was back in the 1970s. Good memories!

I loved this place. All the ones in AZ closed up and my heart was broken. I was surprised to find one in Osaka, Japan when I worked there. Sadly it closed too. Going to fly to California just to eat pizza as soon as this pandemic is over.

Sort of the Chuck E. Cheese of that time. Barely in the 1st grade, I was asked by the dancer/singer at our local Shakeys to come up and dance with him. He gave me one of those hats, (a kind of pressed styrofoam construction) and told me to just watch him and do what he does. We did all sorts of 20's era dance moves, a lot like Michigan J. Frog from the Looney Tunes cartoon. I kept the hat for years until it finally disintegrated. Man, I had a blast! _Hello my honey, hello my baby, hello my ragtime gaaall...._

@mikepatrick5909

3 жыл бұрын

except Shakey's pizza was good pizza. Chuck E Cheese is dog food...

@michaelmoore7975

3 жыл бұрын

@@mikepatrick5909 You got that right.

When I was a kid living in Tucson Arizona in the early 70's we would go to Shakeys every Friday night after Roller skating at the Sunset Rollarama.

@ericcross7863

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, it was on sixth ave by the rodeo grounds, good memories.

You gotta love Shakey's "Bunch-O-Lunch" lunch buffet of pizza, chicken and mojo potatoes.

@joshuasteele4498

3 жыл бұрын

The mojos were awesome!

I’m a little kid in s. California late 1960’s. Mom takes us to Shakeys on Friday night’s. We always had a great time. Thanks Mom!

Used to be "treated" to both Shakey's and Foster's Freeze as a lad in Concord, CA as a kid in the sixties. At Shakey's the guys would make a "show" of tossing the pizza in midair via a large window for fascinated spectators such as myself. Shakey's pizza was top-notch (loved to drink root beer with it) and Foster Freeze made the BEST "drive-in" burgers, fries and shakes.

This is the first pizzaria I remember in life. My first exposure to Shakey's was 1963 when I was 11. I miss Shakey's.

Last time I went to Shakey's was in the 60s when I was in high school. I had forgotten about them. I remember a sign on their wall, "Shakey's has an agreement with the bank...........We don't cash checks and the bank doesn't make pizzas."

@rclaughlin

3 жыл бұрын

I remember another sign on the Shakey's wall: "Customers who snuff out their cigarettes in their pizza plate should notify the management, and their pizza will be served in an ash tray."

@ampatriot6242

3 жыл бұрын

LOL. Miss those times.

@kevinduden9222

3 жыл бұрын

We had one in Modesto, CA. I spent a few birthdays there in the early 70s. I think they gave out styrofoam "straw" hats.

@davidangelamelcher9591

3 жыл бұрын

@@ampatriot6242 Joni Mitchell said it best: "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got till it's gone."

@jonicarter4617

3 жыл бұрын

@@kevinduden9222 I think that was Straw Hat pizza.

My parents would take us to Shakey's on Westheimer Rd. in Houston, TX. I loved watching them make pizza through the window, listening to piano player, drinking root beer from the large pitchers. The pizza crust was so good, almost burnt is spots. I miss that place.

@bobbyboykin7137

3 жыл бұрын

We had one in Corpus long ago, it had a player piano and guy on the banjo.

@susannepatriot6264

3 жыл бұрын

Do you remember the Texas Tumbleweed Steakhouse in Houston? They had several locations. I worked there in the 80's. The most fun I ever had at work. Great place!

@karin0963

3 жыл бұрын

@@susannepatriot6264 yes I do. They had great food!

@mrgreenjeans8155

3 жыл бұрын

We had one in San Antonio, terrific pizza and the root beer was unlike any I’ve had since. Remember the birthday club, free pizza on your birthday? Great memories 👌

@morebeer7673

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I was trying to remember where it was located! We would go there when I was very young in the early-mid 70's. That and Farrell's Ice Cream in the Galleria! Big fun as a kid.

Seeing Eddie brought a huge smile to my face.we still have one in our town.

@margaritaellis2437

3 жыл бұрын

9oopoppp

@TestDonCqmDJorr-qKDdKENPg

3 жыл бұрын

PI;i#hI,l7E`z

@dorothyd4160

3 жыл бұрын

I remember Shakey’s! I loved it then. I’m glad you still have one!I remember Shakey’s showing cartoons and standing on a step to watch the pizza being made. I enjoyed going there.

@margaritaellis2437

3 жыл бұрын

@@dorothyd4160 9

@franknavarro1820

3 жыл бұрын

I know since the Pandemic started a lot of the locations in San Diego closed down. L.A. still have some closest to me is a 2 hr. Drive to Oroville in Nor Cal. Worth the drive in either direction good childhood memories and you can't beat their chicken and mojos👍

I have fond memories of going to shakey’s pizza when I was a kid, nearly 50 years ago. Family style seating, delicious pizza, and music coming from a player piano. Not everything was great back then, but going to shakey’s definitely was! Thanks for sharing this wonderful memory.

@bubba6989

2 жыл бұрын

We still have Shakeys in Los Angeles!

I ate at the original in Sacramento. Best chain pizza ever! Thankfully it still exists in California. The closest to Sacramento is Oroville. The 1st original sign from the first restaurant has been restored to it's original glory, and can be seen residing in the Golden One Center (the home of the Sacramento Kings) with it's neon lights on. If only we could go back in time to relieve happy memories.

@culcune

3 жыл бұрын

My family moved to Northridge in 1979 when I was 10. Growing up, and playing sports at Northridge Park, we had many end of season team banquets at Shakeys. My parents still live in the same house, and in spite of EVERYTHING in the L.A. area changing seemingly by the month, the Shakey's is still there. When we visit family a few times a year in L.A. I take my kids there. They don't appreciate it as much as I do/did, lol. There is still one open in Sylmar a few miles away.

@davidvay6725

3 жыл бұрын

Hey do you remember Capones Steamer Clams with the speakeasy entrance?

@davefox7516

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidvay6725 Sadly, no. Sorry.

@rclaughlin

3 жыл бұрын

I simply must see a Kings game the next time I'm in Sac. I too once ate at the original Shakey's.

@davefox7516

3 жыл бұрын

@@rclaughlin 👏😄

I remember the fried chicken and mojo potato’s. It was all you can eat. When I was in sales in the auto industry in the late 70’s early 80’s and times were tough I would eat one meal a day on those 12 hour shifts at the car lot. Shakeys kept me alive during those times.

@josephgaviota

3 жыл бұрын

Great history ;-)

Our Shakeys in Charlotte NC in the 1970's had the piano and banjo players and they showed Little Rascals movies on a movie screen. I was just a young kid and I will never forget because going there are some of my earliest memories.

@The_Murmanator

3 жыл бұрын

We must be close to the same age. One of my earliest memories is of a visit to Shakey's in Charlotte. I figure it must have been between 1970 and 1975.

His son was my manager when I worked at Skipper’s Seafood Restaurant back in the 80’s. And he looked exactly like his dad!😝

@ModelS-gu2tk

3 жыл бұрын

I went to high school with Chris... I wonder whatever happened to him?

I remember eating at shakey's pizza in the 1970s.

@glennso47

3 жыл бұрын

I remember eating at Shakeys pizza in Rockford Illinois in the 70s

@IVant2BAlone

3 жыл бұрын

Me, too. Merrillville Indiana.

@wadeunderwood5907

3 жыл бұрын

We used to frequent the ones in Merrillville and Valparaiso Indiana when I was a kid.

@joet3758

3 жыл бұрын

Which one?

@davidhamm5626

3 жыл бұрын

@@glennso47 It was the very first pizza I ever had, up on North Main st.

We sadly lost ours in Warner Robins, GA that closed a few years ago. I believe it had been in operation since 1972. The quality was always consistent thanks to owner Jim Kiefer. There will never be another place that equals Shakeys. In this age of crappy restaurants I am mystified why this chain never grew more than it did.

@w.chuckdavis3011

3 жыл бұрын

For several years, I wanted to go as I live in Atlanta. Never did. I regret it. Grew up on their pizza when I lived in TN. No other choice but CA or WA now.

@NathanHarrison3

3 жыл бұрын

it was a sad day when they closed. Even after I moved to Atlanta, I would still drive to Warner Robins for Shakeys. Battling Atlanta traffic and then the road trip were totally worth it.

@andrefecteau

3 жыл бұрын

probably was the advent of Pizza Hut and "delivery pizza", also I recall going to one in my childhood, my mother hated it, was like a carnival with the banjo music,

@wanderingnomad6142

3 жыл бұрын

Until a few years ago, there was a great one in Auburn, AL. Our kids loved that place for their game room. We loved the excellent pizza and beer.

@andrefecteau

3 жыл бұрын

@@wanderingnomad6142 pizza and beer...a good combo Worked in the industry 20 years, people tastes just moved on...TGIF and fast food/McDs and such took over, "middle dining" grew, pizza pretty much went delivery...when I went to AU everybody went out for wings, pizza was always delivered

When I was 5 or 6 years old, I remember my dad taking us out to Shakey's on Santa Monica Blvd (still there). I would walk to the counter and bring my dad and mom a pitcher of beer and walk under the tables. I can still smell the beer and pepperonis to this day and I'm now approaching 60

This definitely brings back memories from my childhood.

Had one in Nashua, NH as a kid! Was magical at that age!! Never forgot the incredible smells and sounds of that place, the dim lighting and pine, and the amazing thin pizza served out on those massive metal trays! Dad loved the beer (could even smoke cigars inside in those days), and the jazz music by actual live musicians! ... Visited one years later out of nostalgia in CA. Looked like any fast food joint that was empty at night, a kid passed out at corner table sleeping something off. The woman behind the counter looked aching to be anywhere else. And the pizza ... well, let's just say not the same. If people only knew what they were missing these days. ... All your vids are great, thanks!

@whitegoose1434

3 жыл бұрын

I remember the Nashua NH Shakey's back in the 1970's . They use to have a player piano. Nice memories.

@TRJ2241987

3 жыл бұрын

Where in Nashua was it? In the area where Pheasant Lane Mall was built? It always fascinates me how different Nashua was 20+ years ago. So much has changed when it comes to businesses, malls, plazas and restaurants. It would be crazy to be dropped back in time and see it again. To this day I still think about the Rich's and Bradlees department stores that are long gone. I think Nashua had a Child World too

@chrisbulldog1353

3 жыл бұрын

They would play the three stooges it was some great memories

@avlisk

3 жыл бұрын

I was working in San Francisco in the 1970's and discovered one there, and was thrilled to find one close to me when I got back east. I used to drive up to Nashua from Boston just for the buffet/all you can eat lunch.

@johnenright4969

3 жыл бұрын

White Goose I never knew we had one in NH!!!!

3:24 "The interior of the restaurants, with it's picnic tables end on end, became the perfect place for sports teams to gather after games. The kids could eat pizza and play games, while the parents drank beer and socialized".......

@BPB9973952

3 жыл бұрын

that is exactly how I remember it as well

@markthrasher6770

3 жыл бұрын

@@the_watcher_ Society was better when adult behaviors and children's behavior was separate and everyone understood and respected boundaries and just focused on being decent people regardless of your day to day experiences, before we focused on being hyper preventative and cautious, and were made to think you had too watch every teeny tiny move you make in front of your children. Of course children can't do all of the things that adults do. Just because you see mom or dad gusle Millers, or see them half naked, or see them crying over having no money, don't mean you don't listen to them when they tell you to eat your vegetables, brush your teeth, do your homework, go to bed, go, meet and play with the neighborhood kids.... what they told you was still sound. There was a time when a "mom could be crack fein, and still be a queen" to paraphrase a rap legend in alot of people's minds. Our generation doesn't have to sweat too much the mistakes we make in front of our children either if reason and understanding its still taught. "Do as I say, not as I do" also meant "go, do better than me child!" Mom and Dad's issues are Mom and Dad's issues, you focus on you!... Mom and Dad might be drunks, but we're also putting you through college and abunch of other good things.....

@markthrasher6770

3 жыл бұрын

@@the_watcher_ There's also a strange inversion today, as parents are made to be "hyper kid-friendly", they're also put in more inappropriate positions than before! And parents and adults have lost alot of moral authority too. That may have been part of a plan, I I degress, before KZread bans me again 😁

Shakeys Pizza was a special treat for us as kids. Our family loved belting out the old tunes as we followed the words on the screen, following the bouncing ball. Everyone sang loudly and without reserve, accompanied by a player piano. The good ol’ days… you can’t put a price tag on those great family memories.

I want to go back to the days before COVID, before cancel culture, before masks, before cell phones, before ipods and ipads, and iphones, back when you could hear the crickets at night and see the stars.

@weswolever7477

3 жыл бұрын

You’re not the only one

@SongsAboutHappiness

3 жыл бұрын

who's fault is that? you useless boomers lol. Y'ALL SAT ON YOUR BUTTS DOING NOTHING. Letting America get stripped while you indulged in mindless consumerism. This is all on you older generations.

@ciello___8307

3 жыл бұрын

Shakeys still exists

@HerAeolianHarp

3 жыл бұрын

Me too.

@thinwhiteduke9212

3 жыл бұрын

And Monarch butterflies. I see one every few years. Used to see them everyday in the summer.

Seems like everyone here turned off the news and decided to go back to the good times.

@CarsandCats

3 жыл бұрын

Yes i decided to live in the past where I used to be happy!

@areguapiri

3 жыл бұрын

The news on pushes the fak-e virus agenda. Nobody should watch or trust it.

@devox3291

3 жыл бұрын

You mean , people are finally starting to wisen up?. 🙂

@williamgerkens573

3 жыл бұрын

@@devox3291 👍there are those that know and those who are wising up.

@williamgerkens573

3 жыл бұрын

@@areguapiri 👍 you are a wise man.

I'm 66yrs. Old and can still remember my surprise birthday party at Shakey's Pizza. W. Covina Calif.

They’re still going in the Philippines- they still have “Bunch of Lunch”.

@kjj6662

3 жыл бұрын

But it doesn't taste like what it used too unfortunately 😞

@markstokes925

3 жыл бұрын

Third world crap hole.

@josephgaviota

3 жыл бұрын

@Brandon White Thank you Grandpa Biden!

@josephgaviota

3 жыл бұрын

@Mary Terwiliger Some of us were not tired of winning yet, with the best economy in the world, record low unemployment for blacks, for Hispanics, for women, Operation Warp Speed, delivering a vaccine in under a year. Now, we have potato, the border is completely out of control, taxes are going up, ... yeah it's gonna be great.

@josephgaviota

3 жыл бұрын

@Mary Terwiliger Either you're just faking, or you REALLY drank the Kool-Aid. My condolences.

The 2 story buildings at 4:22 and 5:50 marks are definitely exterior shots of the Cape Girardeau, Missouri location which was the southwest corner of Broadway and N. Ellis. I do not remember the interior well enough to know any of those shots. It was a great location. 2 movie theaters were less than a block away.

When I attended college in Sacramento, the original Shakey's on J Street was a stone's throw away, and I often went there for lunch. By that time, of course, Shakey and Ed were long gone. I now live about 25 miles from the only Shakey's left in Northern California (it's in Oroville).

@miketipton5001

3 жыл бұрын

Remembered the on on j st well

@Quest4Unknown

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you next trip that way I’ll be eating at that Oroville spot. I remember Shakeys in Garden grove CA in the 90’s

@borpheousmaximusv3985

3 жыл бұрын

Are they the same as they were in the 70s?? There was one in Vegas when I was a kid and the whole family would go there, fond memories of that place.

@rickjensen2833

3 жыл бұрын

@T H my neighbors earl and ethel lesher played piano, sax, drums and sang at the redding ca. Shakeys in the 70s. Ethel made it onto the Johnny Carson show at 103 and played piano .

@Arcticredleg

3 жыл бұрын

Used to go to Shakeys in Yuba City back in the 80s. Love the MoJos! My dad and I met Shakey Johnson back then.

Great childhood memories. I loved Shakeys. I still have one of the hats and one mini mug from the early 70's. Does anyone remember the sing-a-longs? Lyrics to old time tunes displayed on the screen as the whole place sang "Bicycle Built for Two" and other favorites. Oh, I almost forgot the player pianos too. Such a fun place.

@reddwing4368

3 жыл бұрын

Daisy Daisy All for the love of you I can t afford a carriage But you ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle.built for two Lol And of course Someone s in the kitchen with Dina.simeone we know Lol Thanks

@ampatriot6242

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, yes. Portsmouth, Va., 1969. Loved the sing alongs and the draft and bach beer served in German style steins. Great memories with great ppl. They had old wooden picnic tables. We sat arm in arm with others rocking side to side while singing. An old Germain tradition. Wonderful times.

@lizajane55555

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I do. Good times just sitting there singing and eating pizza.

The Shakey’s in Avon, CT used to sponsor a halftime goal shooting contest at Hartford Whalers hockey games where they’d randomly pick fans to shoot at a target on the ice. One game I got picked, missed the goal but still got a free Shakey’s pizza

I still remember Shakey's. I lived in the Washington DC suburbs. Shakey's had made it all the way to the east coast. A couple of weeks ago I was driving down the road and Karen Carpenter came on the radio. All of a sudden I could see and smell the inside of our Shakey's. It's amazing how a song can trigger memories like that. Although there are no Shakey's on the east coast anymore they will always have a place in my heart.

@mturner5989

2 жыл бұрын

I worked at the one in Maryland. Shakeys was my first job in 2000, being able to see the smiles on families faces was the best part!

@adriannurse1502

2 жыл бұрын

@@mturner5989 In the 1970's Shakey's was a special place. 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed your time there. Is the Shakey's still open there?

I am from Sacramento and I remember going to Shakey's as a kid in high school in the late 60's. What memories!

My first job was at a Shakey's in Reno in the early 70's. What memories watching this. And what I would give to have this country to return to this era than the one that we have to exist in now.

@1967davethewave

3 жыл бұрын

Those were great times!!!

@MM-sv1xr

3 жыл бұрын

My very first job in 1976. I was making $2.10 an hour. We had a piano player and a banjo player on the weekends.

@killersopinion1829

3 жыл бұрын

Amen Gary!

@frankgentile5383

3 жыл бұрын

The location at 5th and Keystone? I started @ Harrah's club in 1975.

@garyporter8153

3 жыл бұрын

@@frankgentile5383 Yes sir. I parked cars at Harrahs 77-78ish. Then the Reno Turf Club when I turned 21 in 79. Harrahs with Paul Revere and Rain shows in the cabaret were fun times. When Reno was a great place to be. When i go to visit these days, not so much.

We still have our beloved Shakey's Pizza Parlor here in Riverside, California.....great memories off Van Buren Blvd.

@sheerwillsurvival2064

3 жыл бұрын

I need to take a road trip there 👍🏻

The big draw to Shakeys, while they did feature the music, was singalongs in the evenings where all the customers would sing along to "Bicycle Built for Two" and such old songs. The words would be shown on the wall as the song played and we'd all sing. The food was good but the entertainment and audience participation, a bunch of strangers coming together, was magical.

I remember a balloon guy with cardboard feet they used to give away when I was a kid. That was the 70s in Louisville, Ky.

@teresaschneider6726

3 жыл бұрын

I grow up in Louisville, Kentucky on 70's . I agree with you 100%.Do you still live in Louisville? I do. The old Shakey's PIZZA is now Bonnie and Clyde 's Pizza. I want Shakey's back .🍕🍻

@teresaschneider6726

3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you 100 %.l remember eating Shakey's Pizza in the 70's in Louisville, Kentucky. I miss Shakey's . I still in Louisville. Do you? The old Shakey's is now Bonnie and Clyde 's Pizza on Dixie Highway. We need Shakey's Pizza back. 🍻🍕♥️

@cookcars1

3 жыл бұрын

I moved from Louisville when I was 13. What a great childhood I had there! I miss it. It will always be home. I still visit relatives and friends often.

When I was a kid my parents used to take me and my sister to a Shakey's in Charlotte NC, that was 55 years ago

@znentitan4032

3 жыл бұрын

I remember those days. Same year 1966-67 (going to Shakey's) only in Adelphi Maryland.

@Turbogn87

3 жыл бұрын

I dont remember one being in charlotte?? where was it at, when did it close?

@andyharwood5575

3 жыл бұрын

@@totallysmooth1203 From Albemarle here. Remember my parents taking us to Shakeys, out on Independence. Was fun, had to be 62-64, I guess. Dino's! Open Kitchen! Early memory of my Dad carrying me to Dino's, probably my 1st pizza .We've gone to the Open Kitchen a couple times over the last 5 yrs, when in town for a flight. What I really miss is Little Italy. Their Chicken Cacciatore. So sad to see it gone... Moved from Charlotte, mid 70's. No reason to return now, for sure. Thanks for the memory!

@The_Murmanator

3 жыл бұрын

@@Turbogn87 I think they closed sometime in the mid to late 70s. It was near the intersection of Independence and Sharon Amity. I remember it well although I was pretty young at the time. After Shakey's closed, two of my cousins opened "Loafers" restaurant in the same building.

I've been away from California for 33 years and I just drove past a Shakey's so had to turn around. This song brings back so many memories from being their in the early 70s. I hope they have the piano playing at each of their locations

Thanks for the great video and memories. So many good comments from so many people. We ate there from the 60’s~80’s. Their lunch buffet was great. So sad Shakey’s is gone. So many of us had good memories of it. Makes me wonder how anyone could screw up a pizza place.

754 comments, no time to read them all so sorry for any duplication. My first experience with Shakey's was while in the Army at Ft Sill, Oklahoma. Ah, Friday nights with the college kids from the Lawton area. That is where I gained most of my weight while in the Army. My second experience with Shakey's was when my bro in law moved to Valparaiso, Indiana. Sadly, both of these sites are gone now, but memories will last forever.

“You’ll have fun at Shakey’s, also pizza. Shakey’s.” I still smile when I remember that ad from the late 60’s.

@whorton4

3 жыл бұрын

I remember that as an almost musical line. . ."We serve fun at Shakey's, Also Pizza"

We had 3 or 4 Shakey's Pizza here in town, used to love their pizza and atmosphere, sure miss the good old days.

@bubba6989

2 жыл бұрын

Shakey's is still alive in SoCal

@markbucek4879

2 жыл бұрын

Me too

I'm always moved and amazed when I see someone with Great talent and respect on youtube....your videos----just amazing. You give JUST the right amount of background but with the rest of the video, you allow us to walk, quietly, down memory lane JUST the perfect balance and focus Thank you now, do one on Sambo's

I remember as a kid, every Sunday, we would go to Shakey's for family dinner.

@HighSpeedNoDrag

3 жыл бұрын

Amen.

@felixleiter9123

3 жыл бұрын

there has to be someone today with stupid money who can give us back OUR childhood memories....

@Utubesanarc

3 жыл бұрын

For me it was Everytime someone's birthday came. I'd count the days

I loved going to Shakey's! So many great memories and amazing food! Before one in my area (South Bend, IN) closed, we heard from the owner that the corporation was gouging the franchisees with higher percentage fees and less and less support every year. They were driven out of business by the management.

Shakey lived in our area (Yuba and Sutter counties, California) for many years until he died. Shakeys Pizza was a popular in our town and it seemed like everyone we knew worked there after high school. Myself, along with two of my brothers and my sister did. I liked the silent movies and there was live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. There is still one in Oroville, about 30 miles from my town.

I worked at one of these in the late 70's In Cape Girardeau, MO. No banjo music by then but endless loop of classic shorts (3 stooges, abbot and costello, laurel and hardy etc). Loved those Mojo's!

The one in Rockville, Md was a birthday tradition for my sister's winter birthdsy. Roller skating at Congressional and then pizza at Shakey's were the go to for years.

Loved Shakey's, always great pizza, beer, and music. We lost ours many years ago.

In the mid to late sixties, our parents would take us to Shakeys in Anaheim for pizza. I have great memories of my Dad playing the piano while we ate pizza. He was not an employee, but he could rock that piano whenever it wasn't being played by someone else. My Dad was quite the ham and I'm sure he liked showing off his piano skills. I sure do miss him and this video brings back great memories.

I can still remember the Shakey's Pizza on the north side of Macon, Georgia in the late 1960s. The sign at the counter read: "The difference here is the service. There isn't any".

Oh, I miss Shakey's. The best Pizza and Chicken, Springfield, Illinois

@scotwirth6228

3 жыл бұрын

Me, too. The Shakey’s on 5th Street was fun to go to.

@joezingher4770

3 жыл бұрын

I've been to that one a few times in the 70's.

@jimknuckey6078

3 жыл бұрын

Loved to go there. Great pizza. Second only to Gabatonis.

We had a Shakey's Pizza in Hillsboro Oregon, My family would go there and it would be the highlight of the week. One time i had the hickups The waitress came over and told me "here eat this pickle." First we thought she was joking, but nope she told us to get rid of hickups you have to change your taste. If you had something normal or sweet eat somehting dill or sour. So I ate the pickle and sure enough the hickups went away and to this day I still use this idea to get rid of hickups.

@JDWard-Jeepster

3 жыл бұрын

Best Pizza in Oregon now is Abbys.

Excelente recuerdo en la Ciudad de México, las mejores pizzas. Sus locales muy amplios, las mesas y bancos de madera de ensino. Los músicos de la pianola y el banyo ambientando el lugar con música estilo Alabama. La pizza Shakeys Familiar, una delicia. Las papas al vapor ,un regalo al paladar. La sucursal de San Angel y la de Napoles. Recuerdos hermosos de mi infancia con mis Papás.

I remember my parents taking us to the location in Nashua, NH. They had a player piano, and always had ragtime music and Three Stooges movies playing.

I had my 7th birthday party at Shakey's Pizza in 1978, I remember they wore arm bands and served pizza on tin plates. I loved it!

My favorite place as a child! Whenever I smell thyme it takes me back.

When my Dad said he was taking us to Shakeys Pizza Parlor, we asked him what pizza was! It was the early 60s and we had never eaten pizza before!

I remember Shakey's Pizza during the 60s & 70s in San Antonio, Texas on Goliad Road near by was Shoppers World. And great picture of Eddie Van Halen.

I spent my 21st birthday at the Shakey's in Fresno! As I'm trying to recall...I believe that they gave me a free beer!

@HighSpeedNoDrag

3 жыл бұрын

How Life should be.

@ivanleterror9158

3 жыл бұрын

We'd wind up there after the skating rink during my tome in Fresno. Also went some times to the one in the San Fernando Valley LA.

Memories of growing up in Southern California in the late 60s and 70s include going to Shakey's for pizza at least once a month. I honestly miss that place.

@bubba6989

2 жыл бұрын

So Cal still has Shakey's so if youre in town

I grew up in Midland, Texas and Shakey's was part of that town! It was the place to go and have GREAT pizza as well other good food. Their beer was super cold in those big glass schooners! I miss that place and those times!

@angelataylor5115

3 жыл бұрын

I lived on cuthbert street close to there. Schooners were killer! I also miss that place and my brother Casey.

"All you pizza people come on in and see what's shaking at Shakey's!"

As a teenager in the late 60’s I remember going the Shakey’s many times, getting home is a different story.

@cherriaydelotte8327

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣👍!!!!

@ampatriot6242

3 жыл бұрын

Great draft and bach beer served in German style steins.

i've never found a pepperoni pizza that I liked as well as Shakey's made theirs.

@88SC

3 жыл бұрын

Pietro’s in the Pacific NW was very close. At least in their heyday. My fave was pepperoni + linguicia (sp?)

@DivaliciousMD

3 жыл бұрын

IKR?!!!

@joetorres9892

3 жыл бұрын

It's called tombstone frozen pizza..

@DBAllen

3 жыл бұрын

@@joetorres9892 Not for my tastes.

@JDavidHopkins

3 жыл бұрын

Shakey’s made the best pizzas!

Hands down... the BEST commercial pizza. The crust was everything. I use to live watching them making the pizzas. I have the best memories going there with my dad. When I had my own family Shakey’s was a Saturday afternoon staple. I cried when they closed.💖🌺

My sister and I played gigs at Shakey's in Fort Worth, Texas .. back in 1970 ..we played popular music and were well received

As a young man, I used to eat at Shakey's in New Orleans with my wife and baby girl. It was the late 1960s. Loved that place.

I was 15 years old before I ever had pizza. Shakey's was the first, and will always be the best.

There was a Shakey's Pizza in Kansas City that played Little Rascels on a loop....it was awesome.

@kellyplumb7024

3 жыл бұрын

I've been there, my family is from KC

@murrellsummers1987

3 жыл бұрын

We had one in El Paso Texas that did the same thing. Great memories and great pizza 🍕🍕

I grew up one block away from the original Shakey's from early 70's to mid 80's.

I have the BEST memories of eating at Shakey's on Little Creek Road in Norfolk, Virginia in the early 1970s. Great pizza!! And they would always have the best football bloopers playing on their big movie screen.

@jausher

3 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@williamarner4637

3 жыл бұрын

I ate at that one also. My Dad was on the forrestall and we lived on base at Norfolk.

@noneofurbusiness5223

3 жыл бұрын

I remember the one in Janaf Shopping Center.

@stankakol5195

3 жыл бұрын

@@williamarner4637 William, my dad was Navy, too. That's what brought us to Norfolk. Man, I loved that Shakey's as a kid!!