Haab's Restaurant celebrates 77th anniversary Monday with 1934 prices
Patrons line up outside Haab's Restaurant in Ypsilanti for anniversary specials in this 2009 file photo.
Angela Cesere | AnnArbor.com
The restaurant was opened in 1934, and in celebrating its 77th anniversary, prices on three popular items Monday will reflect those 1934 prices, which are truly a bargain in today's market.
"We started offering the 1934 prices on our 47th anniversary in 1981 when the auto industry was in a downturn and people were concerned about high inflation," said Mike Kabat, who owns Haab's along with his son David. "We wanted to say thank you to the people who had supported Haab's and thought on our anniversary in October we'd go back to our 1934 prices and explain to people how things were when they were really bad, and a day's work would buy you a meal."
The anniversary tradition remains thanks to its popularity. Kabat said the restaurant serves close to 2,000 people each year on its anniversary, compared to 150-350 customers on an average day. The big draw is the three meals with those retro prices: chicken in a basket with French fries and a biscuit for 50 cents, spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic toast for 40 cents, and a barbecue pork sandwich with French fries for 20 cents.
"We limit it to three items because we are able to serve more people," said Kabat, who said that people start lining up outside the restaurant at 7:30 a.m. for its 11 a.m. opening. "We serve until 9 p.m. and serve everyone who is in line at that time."
To add to the 1930s atmosphere, an antique car club from Plymouth has been parking its vintage cars in front of the restaurant for the last eight years.
Haab's, located at 8 West Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti's historic downtown district, was opened by Oscar and Otto Haab, and maintains its classic ambience with a mahogany bar and pressed tin ceiling.
Comments
Tru2Blu76
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 7:02 p.m.
"8 West Michigan Ave." -- I believe it should be: "18 West Michigan Ave." - is that right? (That's what Google Maps says, they put "8" as Rita's Designs)
MorningGirl
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
Yes...that's what I said in the post above yours. :)
MorningGirl
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.
Of course you have to sit down and pay for your drinks. Haab's still has to pay their staff 2011 wages. The vendors who supply the food do not charge THEM 1934 prices, and the utilities and other costs are as expensive as any other day. Clearly, Haab's loses money on this venture; the fact that they continue this tradition is testimony to their generosity and commitment to the community. The Kabat family represents the best of Ypsilanti. And, although I'm sure most people know where the restaurant is located, the address is 18 (not 8) W. Michigan Ave.
jns131
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
You have to eat inside their restaurant and yes, they charge these prices. But you have to pay full price for whatever you want to drink. Great deal, too bad it isn't a take out. Mondays are nightmare for us. Otherwise, someday we might be able to sit down and eat there.
towny
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
True Class. Haab's has excellent food at good prices all year long.
Gordon
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
I'm impressed enough to go to Haabs when the specials are over. Great idea for the downtown area of Ypsilanti. This place is CLASS.
Rob MI
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
It's time for those that only go to Haab's once a year to make their pilgrimage, wait in a long line, then boast about the great deal they got. If you were truly a good restaurant patron that liked Haab's you would go regularly and not just on this special day they generously keep hosting.
EightySeven
Sun, Oct 16, 2011 : 11:09 a.m.
The Kabat Family is first class all the way. Congrats for all your hard work throughout the entire year.