Charlie Brown's Has Long History in Speedway

Liz Glover

Photo by Jay Thompson

(posted Apr 11)

Elizabeth Glover, owner of Charlie Brown's Pancake and Steak Restaurant, strives to be the neighborhood restaurant. Glover told the Speedway Merchants Association that she has been in Speedway since 1975, when her husband and business partner opened the doors at the former Frisch's at High School and 25th Street.

Glover confessed at the April 10 meeting that she knew little about the restaurant business because at the time she had her own career as a Real Estate broker, but her husband passed on, leaving her no choice but to learn the ropes. She said her husband would give her advice that she did not heed because she was focused on his illness. She eventually had to cut the ties with her business partner because of a leasing arrangement he made with Hardee's that forced her to a new location. In 1986, Charlie Brown's moved across the street to what is now El Rodeo's.

Glover was now on her own to operate the business. Every time Glover made a mistake she said she could hear her late husband's voice say "Lizzie, don't do that." She admitted that she could have saved lots of money if she would have only listened.

Glover said she eventually remarried but her new husband wanted her to retire. She said when he left to go to Hilton Head to buy property for retirement, she stayed here and purchased her current location at 1038 Main Street. Glover said she does not have intentions of retiring and that buying the property on Main Street in 1994 meant "holding onto a little bit of my husband." This transaction also made her finally feel like a business stakeholder with roots in Speedway.

Glover discussed her menu that includes many items made from scratch to insure that no preservatives are used. The menu caters to senior citizens who are looking for no-salt soups and cholesterol free eggs. She buys tracked meat so "I know my customers are safe." Tracked meat can be traced back to individual farms to ensure quality and food safety.

Glover takes other safety precautions with poultry, beef and pork to prevent contamination.

Glover said she would like to see Charlie Brown's stay in Speedway, as well as other local businesses such as Bud's Tavern, Lyndhurst Lawnmower, the former Jud Logan's and Mug 'N Bun. "We are the roots of Speedway," she said. She said the past year and half has been roughest in her business history, stemming from additional fees on businesses, the smoking ban and increased property taxes. Jay Watson of Mug'N Bun said things have slowed down for his business as well.