Dublin Core
Title
Goff's Dinner Plate
Subject
Businesses, Restaurant
Description
“Everyone (was) at Goff’s,” recalled one Waukesha resident in the early 1990’s, “it was a Waukesha institution.” The Goff family fed residents and visitors to Waukesha for generations,
Opened as the Ideal Restaurant in the mid-1890’s by Chester ‘Chet’ Goff on Clinton St., the restaurant was known for homestyle meals, delicious pie, and good coffee. An addition built in 1899 expanded the kitchen and public area, adding a 26-seat lunch counter.
Many of the restaurant staff over the years were Carroll University students, including actors Dennis Morgan and Fred MacMurray, and future Milwaukee Mayor Daniel Hoan.
By estimates several hundred Carroll students found a job, and a hot meal, working at Goff’s.
During World War II rationing, Goff’s introduced the ‘smorgasbord’ or buffet style dinner, offering an array of hot and cold dishes. This plate was part of the buffet service, as described by the $1.00 Goff’s Special: tenderloin steak, French-fried potatoes, asparagus and peas, on a special plate with dividers for each item.
Goff’s was sold in 1974, becoming Mama Mia’s for many years, and is now Mia’s Italian Restaurant.
Donor: Dr. William Laatsch
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: John Schoenknecht
Opened as the Ideal Restaurant in the mid-1890’s by Chester ‘Chet’ Goff on Clinton St., the restaurant was known for homestyle meals, delicious pie, and good coffee. An addition built in 1899 expanded the kitchen and public area, adding a 26-seat lunch counter.
Many of the restaurant staff over the years were Carroll University students, including actors Dennis Morgan and Fred MacMurray, and future Milwaukee Mayor Daniel Hoan.
By estimates several hundred Carroll students found a job, and a hot meal, working at Goff’s.
During World War II rationing, Goff’s introduced the ‘smorgasbord’ or buffet style dinner, offering an array of hot and cold dishes. This plate was part of the buffet service, as described by the $1.00 Goff’s Special: tenderloin steak, French-fried potatoes, asparagus and peas, on a special plate with dividers for each item.
Goff’s was sold in 1974, becoming Mama Mia’s for many years, and is now Mia’s Italian Restaurant.
Donor: Dr. William Laatsch
Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: John Schoenknecht
Creator
Goff's Restaurant
Publisher
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum
Date
1930's
Rights
Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum