Spanky’s at the Hop shines as new ‘50s-themed restaurant

Welcomed by seniors who were teens in the 1950s—and by today’s teens now getting familiar with the retro-theme—“Spanky’s at the Hop” opened on July 1 at Madera Marketplace and has been hopping ever since.

Former black jack dealers, Linda “Spanky” Lawrence and husband Rob’s theme of “The Way it Used to Be” is both snappy and happy with a plentiful breakfast and lunch/dinner menu complete with touches of a time gone by.

Gum-chewing waitresses in crinolined skirts, bobby sox and pink cinch belts bring back the 50s feel and 50s song titles highlighting menu items make this black, white and red retro-furnished, diner-style eatery delightfully different and a welcome change from desert d/cor.

“I grew up in the 50s and loved the era… it was a time of innocence, respect and morals. That’s what I wanted to bring back,” Spanky said.

As for the name “Spanky,” she said that’s what she’s always been called.

A two-page selection of eggs and omelets, French toasts, pancakes and waffles plus a selection of tempting side dishes is served for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m.

Then a variety of 10 creative burgers, a good old-fashioned BLT, chili, hot dogs, melts, chicken and steak dishes are dished up. There’s the Bobby Sox Burger, the Sh-Boom Burger, the Big Bopper, the Juke-Box Doggie and about a dozen delicious sides including “freshly cut” French fries, onion rings, potato salad and cole slaw.

“Wolfman”—a six-ounce rib-eye steak on an onion bun with grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, topped with onion straws and a pickle spear on the side sounds absolutely appealing. Mmmmmmm good!

Leave room for dessert as there’s apple or cherry pie, served plain or a la mode, chocolate, banana cream or lemon meringue pie, a banana split, Big and Little Dipper sundaes and a sweet selection of toppings.

Want old-fashioned fountain service? Choose a hand-dipped, one-scoop or two-scoop cone, a shake or float.

“Chef Mario has had 25 years of experience yet this menu is totally new for him,” Rob said.

Spanky’s, which has taken 15 months from concept to completion, seats 46 inside and 26 on the patio.

Asked for their reaction these first “soft opening” weeks, Spanky said, “The community has been unbelievable… there’s been tremendous support. And we have great cooks and servers who live in the community.”

Just as Saturday nights were special in the 50s, when winter residents return, Spanky’s will also be special on Saturday nights. It will offer a 12-ounce and 16-ounce prime rib. Blue plate specials are something else to look forward to.

The restaurant’s oversized dinner plates have a black and white checkered rim. Anyone lucky enough to have their meal delivered on the one plate with a red checkered rim gets a free dinner. And it’s the same for kids.

A Grand Opening is planned for the end of August. For now, Spanky said, “I like it when I see smiles coming in, and when people go out smiling I know they’ll be back.”

Need a mid-summer perk? Head over to Spanky’s for a hip-hop refreshing environment and menu—and a feeling of happy, innocent days gone by.

Spanky’s at the Hop is located opposite the new 99 Cent Store in the Madera Marketplace. Summer hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.

When winter residents return, Spanky’s will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 1 a.m.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.