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Tanya Christos and Greg Mallis, owners of Twohey’s Restaurant at 424 Fair Oaks Ave., held a number of activities Sept. 20-24 to celebrate the eatery’s 80 years in business.
One special event starting at 11 a.m. Sept. 20 drew 150 community members, including public officials, community leaders and longtime customers. Mark Langill, LA Dodgers’ team historian, served as master of ceremonies of a program to honor the iconic restaurant and its owners.
Attendees enjoyed live music performed by Woodie and the Longboards against a backdrop of brightly colored antique cars displayed by Trompers of Eagle Rock Car Club. Following the program, guests enjoyed a full luncheon featuring Twohey’s special menu items. A variety of other activities and special offers took place throughout the month including specialty handcrafted cocktails that were created to commemorate the last 80 year including “The Nifty Fifty”, “Rockin 80s and “The Celebration”. The week of the 20th saw .80 cent mini sundaes offered with purchase of an entrée and on Sunday the 24th there was a fun Family Night where the SPHS marching band was on hand to play some tunes.
State Senator Anthony Portantino, 25th District, and Assemblymember Mike Fong, District 49, presented a members’ resolution from the state of California legislature to the owners to recognize their service to the community. Kristine Kwong, president, Pasadena City College Board of Trustees, spoke of Twohey’s importance to the community, recalling her experience frequenting Twohey’s as a student in middle school and high school in South Pasadena.
Jack Donovan, South Pasadena City Councilmember, presented a certificate from the city.
Representatives of the Office of Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, 5th District, and U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, 28th District, also presented certificates.
In attendance were Alex Aghajanian, president, Pasadena Tournament of Roses; Robert Joe, former South Pasadena mayor; South Pasadena city department heads, staff and commissioners; and the president of the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Community leaders representing the South Pasadena Council PTA; the Chinese-American Club; the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee; and the Institute for the Redesign of Learning joined the celebration. Owners of Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta in South Pasadena and El Portal in Pasadena attended. Other invited local dignitaries included Steve Talt, mayor, City of San Marino and Paul Little, CEO, Pasadena Chamber of Commerce.
