The first legendary Fran's restaurant opened in Toronto 1940 at St Clair Ave & Yonge St but this one on College St at Yonge didn't open until 1950. Just down the block from Maple Leaf Gardens it was a favourite spot to hit before and after a Toronto Maple Leaf hockey game until the team moved to a new arena. The mini group of restaurants is famous for its rice pudding, burgers, and being open 24 hrs/day and apparently even has a U.S. location in Kansas City MO (hello Regina!).
I always like a good neon sign and this old logo has held up well. Taking part in Signs, Signs. For more signs click here.
18 comments:
Perfect!
I've not heard of the legendary Fran's Restaurant and that sounds like my loss! Cool sign.
A very cute sign!
Yeah it's a great old retro neon sign. But I want to know what 'us for I' means (the blue sign under the marquee).
I would go to the restaurant for the rice pudding yummmmm! Also I remember when we were younger how we used to love 24hr restaurants, for late late evenings or early early mornings, but those days are gone ;>)
I like the font used in Fran's.
Great neon sign, I hope it flashes on and off and occasionally crackles and fizzes!
If they put it up in the 50's when they opened, you are right, it is in great shape.
Sallie - the "us for l" is one of those rolling signs - I think it was saying "Join us for lunch".
I know this place, I took a photo of their window display in December. I didn't end up posting the photo but remember the restaurant.
It's a Toronto landmark. I had forgotten all about Fran's until I saw your posting.
This the kind of the place I'd love to visit, old restaurants always have great food in a cozy atmosphere. ;-)
To be in business since 1940 the burgers MUST be good Pat. It's great old retro sign reminds me of 'Happy Days'.
It puts the 'Us for I' sign to shame, a classic!
I am glad there is still one around (I thought they had all closed)
I like this street scene! Cool shot!
Nice one, preserving the nostalgic feel of those neon signs of the 50s and 60s.
I don't know if the sign is the original one, but it surely has a vintage design and I like it.
ah, Fran's for apple pie. or rice pudding. all night long!
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