Quaker Steak & Lube

Quaker Steak & Lube is a casual dining restaurant chain based in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The original restaurant was built in 1974 by George "Jig" Warren and Gary "Mo" Meszaros in an abandoned gas station in downtown Sharon, and decorated with license plates and old automobiles. Originally a "cook your own steak" establishment, Quaker Steak's signature dish is now its chicken wings and the variety of sauces used to season them.[3]

Quaker Steak & Lube
TypeSubsidiary
IndustryCasual dining
FoundedSharon, Pennsylvania,
United States (1974 (1974))
FounderGeorge "Jig" Warren III,
Gary "Moe" Meszaros
HeadquartersBloomsburg, Pennsylvania[1]
Number of locations
42[2]
Area served
North America
ParentJDK Management[1]
Websitethelube.com

History

In 1974, gas stations across the country were closing in the aftermath of the 1973 oil crisis. George "Jig" Warren III and Gary "Moe" Meszaros came up with the idea of preserving the culture of old gas stations and high-powered muscle cars. They opened Quaker Steak & Lube, initially a "cook-your-own-steak" restaurant that showcased old muscle cars. The original location includes a 1936 Chevrolet on the original hydraulic grease rack.[4]

On November 16, 2015, immediately after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company was acquired by TravelCenters of America, which planned to expand the chain both in its chain of truck stops as well as in standalone locations.[5] JDK Management purchased Quaker Steak & Lube from TravelCenters for $5 million in early 2021.[1][2][6][7]

Awards

As of 2021, the chain has won over 86 awards.[8]

Media

The Pointe at North Fayette location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was featured in the Travel Channel series Man v. Food.[9] The episode's challenge was to consume six "Atomic" chicken wings, at the time the strongest wings on Quaker Steak's menu.[9] Host Adam Richman completed the challenge in the allotted time and was awarded a commemorative bumper sticker and a place on the restaurant's "Atomic Wall of Flame".[10]

References
  1. "Bloomsburg company buys restaurant chain". WHLM. April 30, 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  2. "TravelCenters of America Agrees to Sell Quaker Steak & Lube". Convenience Store News. February 26, 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  3. Roknick, Michael (15 August 2015). "Community leader, Lube co-founder, Gary Meszaros dies". The Herald. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  4. "Quaker Steak & Lube - History". Retrieved August 10, 2009.
  5. "Bank says Quaker Steak in default on $4.3 million loan".
  6. "TravelCenters of America Completes Sale of Standalone Restaurant Business". Convenience Store News. April 23, 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  7. Vanac, Mary (March 2, 2021). "TravelCenters of America is selling restaurants". Cleveland Business Journal. American City Business Journals. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  8. "Quaker Steak & Lube - History/awards". Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  9. "Quaker Steak & Lube featured on Travel Channel". Youngstown Vindicator. December 16, 2008. Archived from the original on August 24, 2009. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
  10. Rozwadowski, Thomas (January 8, 2009). "Viewers win battle of "Man v. Food"". Green Bay Press-Gazette.
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