Harpoon Harry’s turns 25: Popular eatery thanks its customers with a party and 1992 price rollback
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
What a difference a quarter-century makes.
When Harpoon Harry’s owners Ron Heck and Robert Cobb first opened their doors to the public back in September of 1992, Hurricane Andrew had just leveled parts of South Florida, Nirvana were the world’s hottest band – and the Blue Plate Special at Harry’s was just $4.99.
From Sept. 25 through 29, diners will again enjoy that price – as well as $1.99 mini-breakfasts – courtesy of Heck and Cobb, as a “thank you” for helping make Harpoon Harry’s an enduring success.
In addition all are welcome to attend a 25th anniversary celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at the landmark restaurant, 832 Caroline St., with complimentary hor d’oeurves, drink specials, and music from Bubba Lownotes and Steve Green.
“When we first opened, the Steam Plant was still generating the town’s power, and a lot more people worked at the School District headquarters down the street,” Heck said. “This area was very underdeveloped, and nearly all of our customers were locals who worked or lived nearby; some of them on the hook. Things have sure changed around here, but we haven’t forgotten that it was the locals who supported us in the beginning, and still help keep us going today. What we’re going to do in September is a huge ‘thank you’ to them for 25 years of Harpoon Harry’s.”
The neighborhood and island may have changed beyond recognition since ’92, but Harry’s has been adapting to the changes, rather than spearheading them.
From a limited breakfast and lunch menu of just eight items, the eatery now offers a far wider selection of classic Cuban and American lunch counter/diner treats for all three main meals of the day. Since 2005, patrons have also been able to enjoy a full liquor bar, and package goods service as well.
But the daily Blue Plate Specials that Heck’s mother originated in the early days are still on the menu, and the homespun décor of vintage paintings, knick-knacks, and license plates, continue to adorn the walls.
Some of Harry’s original staff are still working there, too; in some cases waiting on customers who have been patronizing the joint since its earliest days.
“When we first opened, we used to ask our customers what they wanted to eat,” Heck said. “And we kind of built the menu up that way. To us, the customers have always been king and queen, and always will be.”
Harpoon Harry’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Cash only, but an ATM is located on-site. The full menu is available for take-out. Reservations are not required.
For more information, call 305-294-8744 or visit www.harpoonharryskeywest.com
[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]
No Comment