by Cookie Curci

The young brothers named their new business Hamburger King, featuring, what else, but juicy burgers hot off a sizzling grill: 10cents served on a bun and 15 cents served on a French roll. Some days the neon lights of the diner could hardly be seen through the thick fog that rolled in from the bay. The rumble and roll of the streetcars cut through this dense fog every morning with the clank, clank of their bells announcing their arrival on Chestnut Street, just in front of Hamburger King, the family owned diner. The trolley cars shuttled dozens of hungry customers in and out daily. Patrons enjoyed the family atmosphere of the diner and that lingering cup of hot Java sipped over their morning chronicle.

The small business proved to be a good investment for the five brothers and Feeling a sense of new found security in their new business, they agreed to reinvest in their new business and expand the building. The paint on the walls of their new establishment wasn’t dried yet when the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor blasted over the airwaves. Dec. 7th 1941 would bring an immediate and unforeseen change in their lives. Unexpected world events would suddenly put an end to their personal plans.

Just weeks after the United States declared war on Japan, Dad and his five brothers were drafted or volunteered to join the armed services. Dad, who failed to pass the Army physical exam, remained behind to run the business.

Overnight the Hamburger King became a favorite eating spot for the many GI’s stationed nearby at the San Francisco presidio, Trees Island and Yacht harbor.

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4