Amid a colorful array of waitresses serving period favorites, vintage cars from the 1940s and 1950s, a Doo Wop Band – Woodie And The Long Boards and a larger than life bitter sweet hot fudge sundae, Twohey’s of Alhambra celebrated 70 years in business and the re-dedication of its new Huntington Banquet Room. The birthday bash, celebrated on May 15, kicks off a year-long celebration of the landmark restaurant located at 1224 N. Atlantic Boulevard in Alhambra, CA.
Alhambra, South Pasadena, San Marino and Pasadena dignitaries, as well as Alhambra Preservation Group board members, Christine Olson, Joyce Amaro and Barbara Beckley were in attendance to commemorate the day. Other dignitaries attending included LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Peter Dills, host of Dining with Dills and son of legendary food critic Elmer Dills. APG’s very own Barbara Beckley is a 1967 Tournament of Roses Princess and attended with two other members of the 1967 court.
The award-winning Twohey’s Restaurant is a local landmark. The restaurant, pronounced “2ee’s” opened in 1943 when owner Jack Twohey began his first restaurant on Arroyo Blvd. in Pasadena. Upon its opening, the restaurant had only 37 seats but quickly became known as the premier place for the finest hamburgers, onion rings and hand-dipped fountain specialties. Little Stink-O, the clothes-pin wearing, teary-eyed logo 
was trademarked by Mr. Twohey in 1943 and originated when he overheard a woman patron exclaim, “Oh, Stink-O!” when a gentleman next to her was served a hamburger generously garnished with onions and pickles. The present location featured memorable drive-up carhop service from the 1950s through the mid 1970s. At the celebration today, more than a dozen vintage cars took patrons back in a time when a drive-up restaurant was a popular hangout.
Today, the 180-seat Twohey’s, named 2012 Pasadena Weekly “Best of Pasadena” Winner for the “Best Family Restaurant,” “Best Burger” and “Best Breakfast” boasts 300 menu items and continues to serve up 
sumptuous sundaes and Little Stinko onion rings to guests from throughout Southern California. “We are truly honored to have been a part of the community for so many years and are delighted to have the family of the original owners Jean and Jerry Twohey here for this milestone event,” stated Jim Christos, present owner of Twohey’s Alhambra. “We hope to continue making memories and continue the tradition of serving quality food for generations to come.”
Photos courtesy of Alhambra Preservation Group
The Prose of Preservation 