Lendys Big Boy menu Welcome to the Lendy's Web Page, part 6.

Featuring Salem and Roanoke Va.'s most FAMOUS restaurant chain.

Front Counter at brambleton

These were taken in 1969, at the Grand Opening of the new Lendy's on Brambleton Avenue. Judging by the crowd that day, it was a success. The location was a good one, next to a Kenney's, and the Coffee Pot restaurant just down the street. For the first time a Lendy's in Roanoke features strong "Kentucky Fried Chicken" styling influences.

Perhaps you'll recognize yourself or a friend in one of these pictures.

Brambleton grand opening Brambleton grand opening Brambleton grand opening

click IMAGES for enlarged view

Brambleton grand opening Brambleton grand opening

Lendy's Factoid

Dandy's newspaper ad

roanoke times ad from January 1961

The Boxley Hills Lendy's, which had previously been a Yoda's, was originally built and operated as a Dandy's. This early operation lasted only one year, and has been forgotten by most.

More Lendys Pics III

Vinton Lendys const.

The new Vinton Lendy's on Route 24 under construction in October of 1966. This building was almost identical to the original Melrose Ave. location. They were the first Lendy's to include 'self service' dining rooms. They also had the distinction of having introduced salad bars to the area, as mentioned earlier.

Vinton Lendys interior Vinton Lendys

Here's a look at the almost completed interior and exterior of the new Vinton Lendy's, and its owner, Leonard Goldstein.

click IMAGE for enlarged view

The Lendy's on Melrose Avenue was a twin to its Vinton location. The barn style architecture was chosen partly to keep Kentucky Fried Chicken's management, whose influence on franchisees was beginning to increase, happy. Note the hay bale suspended over the front door.

Lendy's "Take-Home" Shoppes were intended to make it easy for people to get Kentucky Fried Chicken in a hurry, in the days before drive-thru windows.

The "Barrel" of chicken back then was $4.50. Today it's around $25.00.

Madison Heights Lendy's Sign

The Madison Heights Lendy's, just outside of Lynchburg, had very modern architecture, a circular building complemented by a "roller coaster" canopy and great 'Googie' signage.

Here, Lendy's incorporated the "Dine-A-Phone" system which allowed customers to order by "princess" phone from any table or counter seat.

Madison heights int. color Madison Heights exterior

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The center post of the building supported not only the circular roof, but also the large rotating sign on top.

Lendys downtowner

Another look at Lendy's Downtowner. This was actually one of three different downtown locations, the first one having opened as a Shoney's. You can see the architect's drawing of an earlier downtown location on page 4. This, the final location was on Church Ave.

Sirloin Steak wall ad

Downtowner interior Lendys downtowner ext. Waitress, downtown promo

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An interesting booth design, they may still exist to this day at Tudor's Biscuits. Much of the original stonework is still visible on the front of this building. Lendy's manager Dot Toney looks pleased to see this gentleman, a downtown Roanoke fixture during the late '60s.

KFC wall ad

Early waitress Downtowner employee waitress

Some faces that you might remember from the Lendy's Downtowner. Left - Barbara Mowles, center - Dot Toney.

On to page Seven Big Boy figure

Photographs Courtesy Leonard Goldstein

Ad's Courtesy Pat Dotson (Pat's Cafe)

Radio & TV Ads Courtesy Tommy Holcomb

Graphic Assistance, Kipp Teague

This Web Site Created By Twig Gravely

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