With the recent barbs being thrown Hook’d’s way, let’s revisit the Compo Beach concession stand.
We’ve featured these in previous Friday Flashbacks. But with so many newcomers to town — and so many others who so fondly remember Hook’d’s ancestors — it’s a good time to check in with its predecessors.
Long before Joey’s by the Shore, there was this:
The photo is from 1933. The concession stand was located where the volleyball courts are now.
Later, at the same spot, came Chubby Lane’s:
(Photo courtesy of Liz Doyle Boyd)
Anyone could drive right up, order a really good burger, and eat outside — all without a beach sticker.
Like many teenagers, I worked at Chubby’s. It was a plum job: in the middle of all the action, with plenty of other kids, and free food. Sure, we wore dorky navy blue shorts and knee-length socks, but that was the price we paid.
Before my time, Chubby’s employees roamed the beach with walkie-talkies. They’d call in orders, and tie a balloon on a beach chair. A few minutes later, another employee hand-delivered the food.
Joey Romeo was the next well-organized, much-loved concessionaire. He was there for over 30 years. His customer service is legendary too.
Now we’ve got Hook’d. Years from now, will it be a nostalgic Friday Flashback — or just the answer to a trivia question?
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