Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
11
Jun 2021
First Damn Yankee owner reflects on 'phenomenal' early years in 1970s
The original owner of the Damn Yankee restaurant in 1972 has reflected on the "phenomenal" early years of the Harrogate institution, as it prepares to reopen with new owners.
It was first opened by Denise Wiand and her American husband, Mike, who worked at Menwith Hill.
Ms Wiand read the Stray Ferret's article from last month that interviewed the new owners, Thanos Xhanos and Natasha Farmer, and remembered having exactly the same photo taken with her husband almost 50 years earlier.
She said the restaurant was a huge success when it first opened with queues of excited people down Station Parade looking forward to the classic American fare and lively atmosphere that it became famous for.
Something new
Whereas Harrogate today is spoilt for eating establishments, the 1970's was a different world.
When Ms Wiand visits Harrogate today she said she is always recognised by people in the street who remember her and the happy times at the restaurant.
Read More:
- ‘Disappointment’ as Stray dining and drinking hopes dashed
- Stray Foodie: In search of the perfect loaf….
Despite being a fixture on Station Parade for almost 50 years, it almost didn't happen after a prudish landlord took exception to the name, which they took from a beach towel they owned.
She said:
In the early days, the restaurant's motto was "the more you give, the more you get back" and they wanted to offer generous portions with some typically American hospitality.
A family affair
Denise and Mike ran the restaurant for five years and she described it as a "real family affair" with characters including their faithful dog Winston who enjoyed sitting at the bar as well as one local lad who would help out preparing the food.
After selling the Damn Yankee to American Bob Clark, Denise and Mike went on to open the Warehouse nightclub in Leeds which is still open today.
Ms Wiand wished the new owners Thanos and Natasha luck and gave them a couple of words of advice:
0