Blast to the Past: Restaurant Edition, Part 3

By Susan Martin

Here's a few more eateries from Delmarva's past to reminisce on Delmarva! If you have a memory of one of the restaurants below, post a comment! Sadly, finding any photos of these long lost restaurants was a challenge that I couldn't succeed in.

Shoney’s Restaurant

Shoney’s was once located where Tokyo Steakhouse is now, on the North side of Salisbury. It had a similar menu and atmosphere to that of Bob Evans. It was one of the best locations for breakfast on the weekends, or the weekdays for that matter, according to fellow eaters of Delmarva. All the memories that Delmarva has of Shoney’s Restaurant seem to have a common denominator — bacon. 

Brittany Siegel remembers going there on the weekends with the family for their delicious breakfast buffet. Lauren Lappin Watson of Salisbury said, when asked about what she remembers, "all you can eat breakfast! We would go on Sundays after church and I would shamelessly eat bowls of bacon.”

Wendy Seiler of Salisbury fondly remembers going there with her son. “My son would go there with me for the buffet and just about eat them out of bacon when he was a toddler,” remembers Wendy.

But it was a dining experience more than breakfast with bacon. There was lunch and dinner, and of course, dessert. Kelli Chamberlain of Delmar said, “if my memory serves me correctly, they had the best French silk pie for dessert.”

Chef Fred’s Chesapeake Steakhouse & Conference Center

Chef Fred’s Chesapeake Steakhouse was a two-part eatery — one side dine-in restaurant and conference center and the other side was a bar and grill. The conference center side hosted weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, showers and corporate meetings. The opposite side was a casual dining outlet with a bar known for their crab dip, drinks, steaks and friendly, hard-working staff.

Brooke Hitch remembers the dining side of Chef Fred’s being a venue for fancy dining for her family growing up. Many Delmarva residents remember the karaoke that happened nearly every Wednesday night (my hands are raised!) on the bar side. One of my now dear friends was a waitress there and we are certain that is the place we originally crossed paths  many years ago, not even knowing it!

What memories do you have of Chef Fred’s Steakhouse?

Maynie’s Pizzeria

Maynie’s Pizzeria was a go-to spot for a quick slice of pizza or an evening of family time. It was once located in the College Avenue Shoppes, where A Salt Shack is now. Maynie’s was that spot where everyone was known by the wait staff either by name or by order.

Katie Conklin Brenner remembers Maynie’s as a “hidden gem.” Trudy Bounds and her husband ate lunch there every Friday, and oftentimes had dinner in house as well. Many residents remember their pizza and subs, but other favorites included tuna steak sandwiches and nachos (a favorite of Lauren Lappin Watson).

Personally, I remember going here weekly with my mom when I was in high school and college. I remember meeting her and her coworkers for lunch my senior year of high school and into my college years. We’d always get there around 11:30 everyday, and catch the tail end of “The Price is Right”. Then when the soap operas began, they would change the channel to the noon news and we’d all carry on our conversations before needing to get back to work and school. Such a fond memory!

Ponderosa Steakhouse

The Ponderosa Steakhouse was a “old west style” dining space located on Route 13 near Fruitland, where the old Robinson’s Jewelers was. It sat right on the water on the outskirts of town. Christy Spindler of Salisbury, Md. has fond memories of eating there with her family growing up. “In 1985, I got straight A’s on my report card and my parents took me to Ponderosa to celebrate,” remembers Christy. Ponderosa was the place you would go to gather with friends for a Western-themed night on the town.

Hey Delmarva … What do you remember about Ponderosa’s?

When walking down memory lane involves food, it's always a good time! What favorite eateries that are no longer around do you remember Delmarva?