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| Nifty image rendered by a former Toy Boat employee. (-missing an apostrophe, but who's complaining?) |
I had a hankering for something sweet, so I swung by Toy Boat Dessert Cafe today. I worked at Toy Boat exactly thirty years ago when I was a student at San Francisco State University. Going to Toy Boat is like stepping into a time machine. The place looks nearly the same as it did when I scooped ice-cream there back in 1990. Sure, the prices are higher, they've non-dairy milks for espresso drinks and some gluten-free treats on the menu, but the vibe of the joint is the same.
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| Toys, desserts and mechanical horsey...oh, my! |
The mechanical horsey ride for 25 cents (maybe it costs more now?) is still a centerpiece for younger visitors. The image of the postcard above illustrates that Toy Boat has had a problem with 'big kids' (read: straight up adults) trying to ride the horse and breaking the darn thing. Toy Boat has gone through a few different mechanical horse rides since I've left their employ.
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| Inviting exterior. |
My old boss, Jesse, came in just as I was leaving. We had a short, friendly exchange. I caught up on how some of my former co-workers are doing. Jesse's in touch with many of them. He's the same gregarious, super friendly sort. I think it's wonderful that after all these years (Toy Boat opened in '85) that not only is Toy Boat still thriving, but that Jesse is still at the helm and still warm and welcoming. We did a weird elbow bump as greeting (thanks, Covid-19!), but took leave of one another with a hug. It'll be fine, right?
It speaks volumes for a business to be still thriving all these years later, and still retaining the staff speaks even louder.
ReplyDeleteLove that cartoon too.
It's funny, right?
Delete-glad that there are still a few one-off businesses here in town that are worth their salt.
I'd not be able to recognise any of my employers from the uni days, much less remember their names! But it is nice to have a proper step-back-in-time like you had. Things seem always to be changing just for the sake of it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is nice to be able to visit places like Toy Boat from time to time.
DeleteBet you rode it when the cafe was closed.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could remember if that were true!
DeleteLooks like a fun place! Nowhere I worked pre-1985 exists anymore. Everyone's dead or retired. Hell, I'm retired too!
ReplyDeleteToy Boat is nothing if not fun.
DeleteDear Bea, I bet you had fun working there! And isn't it a treat to go back to places that were part of our lives and see how they've changed--or haven't--and remember that time with fondness! Peace.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun time in my life & the job was easy. It is a treat to be able to go back to places that have held up well.
DeleteIt speaks volumes about the place that you still remember working there fondly. Not all jobs are that good.
ReplyDeleteIt also helped that just across from Toy Boat was a comedy club called The Holy City Zoo (where Robin Williams still did drop in sets) & a bar called The Last Day Saloon that featured loads of live bands. That corner of the city at that specific time in SF was just plain fun.
DeleteWhat a fine old building. Older than 1980.
ReplyDeleteI'll say it is! It's probably from the 1890s, if I had to guess. There's even a basement and that's quite unusual for out here.
DeleteOh, that looks like a fun place to visit! Like the sign. Too bad some ignore the message. Maybe if a sign had an age range....or, if they posted a fine would be charged if violated, could they legally enforce it? Would kinda destroy the ambiance of the place I guess.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a fun place to visit. If I had kids, then I'd be a regular there, to be sure.
DeleteSo many links to the past have simply disappeared. It’s always a pleasure to find an icon of a previous life still going strong.
ReplyDeleteElbow bumps?
I’ll just smile and greet warmly - if I like the person, that is. Otherwise and unfriendly scowl will do.
Yes, it's a great pleasure to tap into the pleasant things past.
DeleteSmile and greet warmly--from a distance--seems to be the new status quo.
Glad to hear you had a nice visit with your old boss. Stay safe out there and stick with the elbow greeting for now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, man. May you all be safe and healthy, too!
DeleteI may have to learn Spanish first! :)
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Bea