Brands from the Past: Schraffts Customer Stories Contest Winners

In May we asked for your stories and memories about Schrafft's, and, as we promised, here are the top five submissions. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did..

By Virginia H. Miller, New York, NY

"My Grandmother was a character in many ways but her love of Schrafft's coffee ice cream never changed. What's more, she always managed to live no more than a block or two from a Schrafft's Restaurant. I remember eating lunch with her there — her choices were always the same: a club sandwich and coffee ice cream. And, to my chagrin, she always sent the club sandwich back — something was always wrong with it. It happened so often that I began to think that the waitress took it back through the doors to the kitchen and waited a few minutes before bringing back the very same club sandwich, which my Grandmother ate with relish. My Grandmother always said that eating at Schrafft's was better than eating at home."

Patricia Dashner, Pasadena, CA

"In 1963, while attending college, I had a summer job working as a waitress at Schrafft's. Taxes, meals, and uniform laundry fees were deducted from our paychecks. After deductions my weekly paycheck was $14.00, so tips were very important to me. I worked hard to ensure that each of my customers had a pleasant meal. One night a customer ordered a steak, ate part of it and then told me to take it back because he didn't like it. At his request, I brought a chicken dinner. After eating part of this dinner he asked me to take it away and bring a roast beef dinner. By the time I delivered the third dinner my smile had disappeared. I placed his dinner in front of him and asked if he saw my large serving tray. He said he did. Then I told him that if he didn't eat this dinner I would hit him over the head with my tray. I turned and left, fully expecting to be fired. The man ate his dinner, paid, and left a 50% tip. It was the largest tip I ever received."

Ruth Darling, Yalaha, FL

"When I was in my early twenties in the 1940's, I would shop downtown on Saturday. Schrafft's was one block away from the main shopping section and located where the "smart" shops were. I would go there for lunch, where the older ladies wearing the beautiful hats lunched, and order my favorites. I would feel quite grown up as I enjoyed my repast in this special place. I remember the large slices of the most delicious rye bread, with ham and Swiss cheese, cut into three sections, which for some reason made an impression on me. I miss this time of stopping in, resting a while from shopping, and being refreshed in a pleasant manor."

By Sydney Halet, Brockton, MA

"When I was eight years old (it seems like a million years ago), my mother took me on one of her many shopping trips to Filene's Basement in Boston. After braving the crowds of hustling and bustling women, we went to Schrafft's, where I sat on a leather-covered, swiveling stool and had my very first Schrafft's hot fudge sundae. The hot fudge oozed down the side of the tulip glass and onto the plate on which the tulip glass sat. It was my first, but not my last Schrafft's hot fudge sundae...until, sadly, Schrafft's disappeared. It was a time of careless, childish joy that was enhanced by Schrafft's hot fudge sundaes."

By Debra Liberman, Beltsville, MD

Schrafft's Sugar Cookie Memories

"When I was a little girl
it was my favorite treat
To be taken to New York City
and arrive at Schrafft's to eat.

My Mother would drive us in
from Long Island we would come
To meet my Grandmother dressed in her finest
and a twinkle that said let's have some fun.

I would wear my lovely plaid dress
with a crisp white collar and shiny red bow
I put my napkin carefully upon my lap
as my Mother had taught me to do just so.

But my younger sister was another story
she always made such a mess
The most delicious of Schrafft's recipes
ended up splattered across her dress.

I simply paid no attention
as our waitress served the scrumptious meals
It took every ounce of strength I had
not to dip my finger in to see how it would feel.

But I used my very best manners
just as I had been taught
I wanted to make my Grandmother proud
and I was afraid I might get caught.

I loved Schrafft's turkey and mashed potatoes
with gravy and stuffing served on the side
The portions were so big and yummy
it was definitely worth the long car ride.

I couldn't wait until it was time for dessert
I smacked my lips and my eyes grew wide
For any moment now
my Schrafft's Sugar Cookies would be by my side.

They were big and round
with sugar crystals sprinkled on the top
The most delicious cookies I had ever had
and I simply couldn't stop.

If I was really lucky
my Mother would order some to take home
and I would sneak into our kitchen at night
and eat them up when I was alone.

I remember the sound of the crinkle
as I unwrapped my Schrafft's Sugar Cookie pack
And I hoped no one would hear me
I would give anything to have those carefree days back.

They made a wonderful after school snack
and I thought about them all day
They were waiting nestled in the breadbox
I ate my cookies then I went out to play.

My sister ate her after school snack
which consisted of an apple and a slice of cheese
To this very day she remains that slender little girl
because she didn't have a sweet tooth to please.

So Schrafft's I proudly salute you
and miss you more than I can say
Thank you for the most wonderful of memories
that I carry with me to this very day."