Lomato's move has drivers remembering
Published on -10/27/2008, 7:05 AM
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By GAYLE WEBER
Lomato's owner Tom Haynes first heard talk of a developer wanting to buy his property in April, but only as an off-hand comment.
It wasn't until about a month ago he realized he would have to relocate the 15-year-old business in order for apartments similar to Stonepost Apartments at Fifth and Main streets to be built.
Haynes doesn't have a moving date yet.
"It's coming up pretty soon," Haynes said. "It depends on when they get things done in the new building."
Haynes purchased the former Greek's Pizzeria building at 130 W. Ninth and is working to remodel it.
He said he will provide basically the same service he has in the past, but the customer base could be different.
"The business demographics will change a little bit," Haynes said. "We hope we'll do more lunch-time business from downtown."
He said there will be only three booths and two tables, so dining in will be a limited option; however, he said most of Lomato's business during the years has been carry-out or delivery.
"I want to remain close to campus, close to the one-ways," Haynes said. "That's a great delivery location."
He said he might stay open later than he previously has on Fridays and Saturdays in order to catch the bar crowds letting out from across the railroad tracks. If he does so, there will be only carry-out orders taken.
"We're just looking forward to getting moved in," Haynes said.
The Lomato's location formerly was Varsity Bowl, a '50s-style diner that was the turn-around point for people dragging Main Street for many decades.
On Saturday, Hays City Auto Outlaws members and guests gathered one last time to say goodbye to the popular gathering place.
"It was built in 1947 and has a lot of history in Hays," said Greg Augustine, an Auto Outlaws member. "Everybody basically planned their weekend there."
Augustine said there were about 40 or 50 motorcycles and about that many more cars assembled at Lomato's on Saturday.
Many of them dragged Main Street one more time in honor of the longtime tradition of their youth.
"Even if you lived in Victoria or Ellis, the thing to do was to come over to Hays and cruise Main Street all night long," Augustine said.
"You really hate to see these old places go, I guess for the nostalgia."
Went to Hays High in the early 70's, dragging Main Street was the best. The cars, the guys and being able to drive up to a window to purchase beer and drive away. Moved to Calif. my junior year, first Friday out of school I said let's go drag Main. No one had any idea, I looked at them and said then what do you do? I wanted to move back to Hays. When I mentioned "Red" and the drive thru beer window, what a redneck hick they tought I was. Thanks for the memories, of we could turn back time. The joys our children will never know.
(Posted by: Vinda Dechant - Calif.)
Varsity: 10/28/2008
That's were I sold my pop bottles I found so I could buy candy....many moons ago! The girl in the picture, wounder what that thing is on her upper lip....ya never know?
(Posted by: kadiddlehopper)
Varsity Bowl 1968-1971: 10/27/2008
Had many a great night cruising Main with my girlfriends when I was in high school trying to meet the guys cruising back and forth in the other cars. The Varsity was always the turn around and the meet me spot for all the cars you met while traveling down Main. No other place or city I have moved to since had a Main Street ritual as great as the one in Hays. I look back on those years fondly and with a smile.
(Posted by: Deb in KC)
LOMATOS!!: 10/27/2008
Man! NOBODY makes a "Philly Steak and Cheese" Pizza like LOMATOS!! Wish you delivered to KC!!!
(Posted by: Chris)
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