In this era of rapid change and uncertain futures for our industry, we want to celebrate one of our oldest members, Specialty Restaurants Corporation. They have defied the odds with their longevity and celebrate their 60^th year in business this year. What is their secret to success?

SRC began with a single restaurant in 1958 called The Reef in Long Beach, California—with a Polynesian theme that made it one of the first themed restaurants in the country. Founder David Tallichet came from a background in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a B-17 co-pilot during World War II.

During his post-war career, Tallichet came across a Western-themed truck stop in the Midwest that inspired his vision for The Reef as a destination restaurant providing memorable experiences for its guests with breath-taking waterfront views. To date, all of SRC’s restaurants follow that model with waterfront, hilltop or airport locations, each boasting a remarkable view.

Several of SRC’s restaurants also feature aviation themes, with exhibits and replica planes, such as Proud Bird (opened 1967) next to LAX and 94^th Aero Squadron (opened 1973), adjacent to the Van Nuys Airport. At one time, Tallichet had the largest private collection of vintage aircraft in the U.S.—some of which were featured at SRC locations.

Today, there are nineteen restaurants across the country, in Florida, New York, Texas and Ohio, but primarily throughout California. And many of the restaurants have also expanded to feature special event spaces for every type of occasion. Specialty Restaurants Corporation remains a family-owned business, currently operated by David’s son, John Tallichet.

“We’re immensely proud to commemorate our 60th year and want to thank all of our guests and local communities for supporting Specialty Restaurants,” remarks John. “We are forever grateful that our patrons have made us a part of their lives for their own momentous occasions, and we invite the community to celebrate with us in October and help us give back to those in need in November. The family at SRC looks forward to the next sixty years!”

From September through December, all of the SRC locations will be celebrating the anniversary with promotions such as a throwback menu available October 8th-21^st,, including original Reef specials like Teriyaki steak, crab cakes with tiki sauce and pineapple cheesecake and $0.60 Dave’s Margaritas available Thursday, October 11^th.

For over thirty years, The Reef and the Salvation Army have welcomed the Long Beach community to dine on Christmas Day at The Reef so everyone can enjoy a nice meal during the holidays. This year, they’ll extend this to all of their restaurant communities and donate a percentage of the proceeds from November to local food banks in December to support their efforts in providing holiday meals in their areas.

Specialty Restaurants Corporation has flourished by connecting to each of its communities and encouraging guests to join them for occasions big and small. With a strong sense of family throughout the company, SRC will continue to provide unique, memorable meals for many years to come.