Industrial Park Cafe
Posted on April 11, 2008
Filed Under Entertainment |
The industrial park cafe is an anomaly in the restaurant business. It is among the only establishment that can survive despite being in a constant state of disrepair. A disproportionate number of these establishments border on unsanitary—always dreading the next visit from the health inspector. In spite of this, they rarely go out of business.
photo credit: Here in Van Nuys
The industrial park cafe is the perfect example of real estate’s “location, location, location” cliché. These places often exist in areas that have no food services other than, perhaps, a slop wagon that doesn’t always arrive on time. They can get away with charging the hardhat set $7 for a day-old clubhouse sandwich because, short of brown bagging it, there is no other lunchtime alternative.
Despite their ridiculous prices and often mediocre food, industrial park cafes have a certain charm about them. They are usually Mom & Pop deals, and the owners are usually the same people who are serving your food. They’ll often get to know their regulars, and the best of them will prepare your regular dish ahead of time, so that it’s ready as soon as you walk through the door.
The industrial park cafe will never be the dining experience you rave to your friends about, but you’ll always recommend it to the new guy at the office. You’d never go there for dinner (not that the place would be open past 4 o’clock), but you’ll be there at least once a week—at quarter to noon so you can beat the rush. The food will never be fine dining, but it’ll always manage to recharge both body and soul when midday strikes on Monday.
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I love these places. They’re completely unhealthy, but like you say, their locations are perfect. And good god, the slop wagons. My gut is tirning just thinking of them. Is there anything lower?
I agree with you Mike, there is nothing worse than slop wagon food. For a quick snack—chips and a pop—they’re great. But, for hot food? My god, I once bought a meatball sub off of a lunch truck and…well, let’s just say I went home early that day.