The name Shakey’s Pizza Parlor evokes a plethora of fond memories for many Montgomery County locals who have lived there for a long time, including the smell of freshly made pizza, the sound of arcade games, and the happy pandemonium of family get-togethers. Shakey’s provided a really distinctive and cherished dining experience prior to the rise of contemporary pizza franchises, leaving a lasting impression on the neighborhood, particularly for individuals who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s.
Shakey’s, the first franchise pizza company in the US, was established in 1954 in Sacramento, California, by Sherwood Shakey Johnson and Ed Plummer. With a nickname derived from World War II nerve injury, Johnson created a unique environment in his parlors. In contrast to more conventional restaurants, Shakey’s Ye Public House idea went beyond pizza by embracing live entertainment, frequently showcasing Dixieland jazz and banjo musicians.
At its height, Shakey’s had an astounding 500 locations across the globe, which is evidence of its creative fusion of fun and food. Two well-known sites were family entertainment centers in Montgomery County. There was a well-known location on Bureau Drive in Gaithersburg and another on Rockville Pike in Rockville.The local newspaper even announced the arrival of the Rockville Pike facility. On July 6, 1967, the Washington Daily News boldly declared that Shakey’s Pizza Parlor and Ye Public House would open on July 12 at 1471 Rockville Pike. With space for 300 people, the restaurant will serve 21 different types of pizza. The distinctive feature of Shakey’s is that it only offers pizza.Later, they introduced their distinctive battered fry, Mojo Potatoes, and an adult cold beer pitcher menu, which proved to be a successful combination.
Its family-friendly atmosphere was what really solidified Shakey’s place in MoCo residents’ hearts. Kids had a blast playing games like Pac-Man in the busy game rooms while adults savored pizza and cold beer. The open kitchen layout enhanced the engaging and exciting experience by letting inquisitive kids observe the chefs making pizzas. For many kids, birthday celebrations at Shakey’s were almost a rite of passage.
But in the 1980s, Shakey’s golden age started to fade. Many people felt that the initial charm was diminished by changes in management tactics and concentration brought about by a succession of ownership changes. Inconsistent brand visions resulted in a drop in quality and customer experience, and franchisees frequently felt abandoned by the parent firm. Another major factor contributing to Shakey’s difficulties was the heightened competition from more recent, aggressive pizza companies. The majority of the U.S. establishments had shut down by the early 1990s.
The once-commonplace Shakey’s Pizza Parlors are now uncommon. There are just a few left, mostly in California (47 sites) and one in Washington state. For Montgomery County residents who have pleasant memories of Shakey’s vibrant ambiance and mouthwatering menu, the place is a throwback to a more carefree time of family entertainment and dining. A road trip to the West Coast for a taste of the past could be inspired by this sentimental idea.
