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Don Boyd | all galleries >> Memories of Old Hialeah, Old Miami and Old South Florida Photo Galleries - largest non-Facebook collection on the internet >> Miami Area GROCERY STORES and Food Markets Historical Photos Gallery - All Years - click on image to view > 1965 - Grand Union supermarket at Tamiami Trail and SW 62 Avenue, West Miami
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1965

1965 - Grand Union supermarket at Tamiami Trail and SW 62 Avenue, West Miami

6200 block of Tamiami Trail, West Miami, Florida


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Guest 27-Feb-2024 15:35
Oops! It was supposed to be MR. SHAW ran P. A. L.
Guest 27-Feb-2024 15:31
I grew up in West Miami on SW 18th Street a block from “The REC”. Later, learned to play drums and our band played at P.A.L. near Bird Road &what is now the Palmetto x-way.. Great place to go on Friday nights. Amazing local bands. Mr. Asha’s ran the place..it started my career as a pro musician. Loved growing up in West Miami.
Don Guthrie 19-Jan-2022 23:04
I saw the post from Jeff Brauninger and know that we have to know each other, I’m one of the twins (Don and Ron Guthrie) who grew up on 5th terrace between 59th avenue and 60th avenue….went to school with Keith Bailey, whose dad owned the Dairy Queen adjacent to Arbetters…we would go a lot to get free ice cream from Keith’s dad…also played the old shooting gallery and pinball machines that occupied the covered area between the two restaurants/shops…we also ate at arbetters, chili dogs all the time, sitting at those stools…we had all of our care serviced by Manolo, Justo and the Betancourts who owned the gas station next door…justo could walk out and just listen to your car for two seconds and tell you what was wrong with it…..I had three older sisters, Mary, Denise and Susan….would love to know if any of the betancourts or any old neighbors or friends are still alive….Don Guthrie 561-385-8864
Don Guthrie 19-Jan-2022 23:04
I saw the post from Jeff Brauninger and know that we have to know each other, I’m one of the twins (Don and Ron Guthrie) who grew up on 5th terrace between 59th avenue and 60th avenue….went to school with Keith Bailey, whose dad owned the Dairy Queen adjacent to Arbetters…we would go a lot to get free ice cream from Keith’s dad…also played the old shooting gallery and pinball machines that occupied the covered area between the two restaurants/shops…we also ate at arbetters, chili dogs all the time, sitting at those stools…we had all of our care serviced by Manolo, Justo and the Betancourts who owned the gas station next door…justo could walk out and just listen to your car for two seconds and tell you what was wrong with it…..I had three older sisters, Mary, Denise and Susan….would love to know if any of the betancourts or any old neighbors or friends are still alive….Don Guthrie 561-385-8864
Burt Rosen 26-Dec-2020 16:39
Lived on so 11st. Used to sit w best friend Paul used to sit on the wall next to trailer park. Mel’s at the deli, hot dogs at arbetters and dq blizzards. Ball at the rec. Great times
Melissa Young Rodriguez 22-Apr-2017 17:24
Very fond memories of this corner!!! As a matter of fact I still love close by!!! Lived on 9st and 62 Ave.. and now I live on 10 st and 62 Ave!!! This is just where I love to be!! My parents bout their house on 9st in '49 when my brother and sister , Steve and Prissy were little- and then I car song in '62! We all went to Sylvani Heights and West Miami Jr. High.. I notice some names of people that have posted that I remember .. Yelen, Antzak.. I think I was in Sylvania with Mike Antzak... someone mentioned Stevie Harris .. I've often thought of him .. what a sweet boy he was.. my mom was friends with his momma.. I grew up with my only buds Jodi Tenen and Iliana Faz.. we had lots of fun riding our bikes, skating and playing hopscotch on 9th street!!! And of course making our daily trips to the dime store to buy the penny bubble gum or some sew on patches for our jeans!! The gold star is unforgettable ... i Ran into another kid I grew up with not too long ago and also went to Slylvani with us... Jimmy Bernat.. he too lives here in the neighborhood!!! And hasn't changed a bit!!! Great seeing all these posts!! Love to you all !!!
Andy Werner 01-Jun-2014 03:59
I used to shop ther with my Grandmother, I remember when they kicked off Mountain Dew. The store was Called B-Thrifty before Grand Union bought. I worked the as a Third Manager in 1974.
Guest 15-Sep-2013 02:54
Ronnie Arbetter died about 5 years ago of Pancreatic Cancer, and his sister is still running the business on Bird Road. Bruce Yelen...... Southwest Preparatory School in Pinecrest, what a joke of a school that was, more of a collection of stable rooms than a real school, no lunch room, just a toothless man with a stale lunch truck in the yard. Ole lady Serrino was a major B++tch and her two useless sons were teachers there because she couldnt afford real staff. The one teaching science made a gay pass at me one day, and i transferred back to public school the next day. That school was a JOKE !!!!!!!!!!!!! People actually paid to go there.
steve jordan 13-Oct-2010 02:18
I just happened to google.......Paley's Big Wheel in Miami ....off Coral Way and found this site as well. I'm a Miami High 1967 grad and those days or nights at the BIG WHEEL and Hott Shoppes on the highway. Too bad the younger generation has nothing like that now. Huge nightly gatherings on weekend nights would not be tolerated now........and thinking of those nights, parking on Rickenbacher Causeway.....ahhhhhhh the memories.
Kurt S25-Jun-2010 02:21
Wow. I went to this store every Sat morning with my mom and brothers. I used to sit on the edge of the magazine display and read the MAD Magazine (Remember the Spy vs Spy fold out in the back?). Grew up on SW 74th Ave 1 block South of 8th st. Practically lived at the corner store (originally Stevens Store, then Palmetto Mkt) My friends and I would find soda bottles around the neighborhood, and turn them in to buy Nehi Grape soda, and a candy bar (total 22c). I do remember the kid on the three wheeler and his mom who frequently were out in front of the grand Union. I could go on for days about things that we did in those good ole days. I remember the smell of the 5 and dime like it was yesterday.
Armando Campaneria 20-Oct-2009 16:05
This brings back good memories. As a kid, I walked from 21street & 62 avenue to eat a (warm) brisket on rye at Gold Star, finished off every one of those little trays on the tables with dills, pickeled peppers, cabbage etc. Then I crossed the Trail to work at the BK. Back then a Whopper, fries & coke was $1.03. I attended Sylvania Heights, West Miami and South Miami - class of '74. Find me on FaceBook.
Thanks for the memories!
Scott Karafin 07-Jul-2009 19:13
This is incredible. It brings back memories of my dad sending me to gold star as a kid for corned beef, and saying "don't come back unless it's lean". Every time the gold star folks smiled , when i reminded them, and made it lean. Had a throwaway newspaper route, "the guide" (i think), in the mid-sixties, got paid at royal castle and had a feast. the best burgers. We lived on 5th terr & 59th near Jeff B. this is a great pic--thx so much. Scott K.
Guest 12-Jun-2009 16:44
Tom Antczak
I grew up on 19th st. and Red Road.We ate at the Gold Star
alot for dinner.We use to ride bikes to the 5&10.I went to
Sylvania Hgts.,West Miami Jr. High, and South Miami High-Class of '77
I went to school with Terri Lawrence who wrote in about this picture.
Brings back tons of memories.I've lived in Orlando since '83.
Thanks for the great pictures.
Guest 10-Jan-2009 03:09
What a nice memory. My parents and my baby brother moved into a new home on SW 7 st and 59 ave, in 1949. I was in the 7th grade. Remember all those wonderful places> Arbetters and the Dairy Queen were regular stops. Regent Drugs where you could buy cigs with a note from your mother I never threw away the note lol. Poe's barber shop where I would get sent back half the time to tell Mr. Poe, my mother said cut it shorter. My brother ( 10 yrs younger worked at the Grand Union for Al McNeely and met his 1st wife there. Also Daisy Mae BBQ, the Silver Dollar and Willie Masconi's Pool Hall, . Also Bob Newbolds Texaco Station . Thanks for the memories.
Victoria Dacosta 13-Dec-2008 15:25
Ronnie
I will always love you and never forget you Mr.Arbetter, You were a spectacular person to us all, and you had lots of great friends whom loved you and do almost anything for you! (I should know this) I was one of them! I believe out of all the people you knew threw the years, behind close doors I was the one person you confide in the most. We shared lots of time together especially, the last year of your life. It was a very difficult and traumatic time for you, and I thank god, that I was there with you and for you along with your family. I never wanted to leave your side, the last month before you passed only GOD knows how much I suffered and how much sorrow and anguish I went threw and how much I misery i felt, I missed you tremendously And till this day, I find it hard living with out you. You were everything to me Mr.Arbetter, I looked up to you like a father, you were my best friend, my boss and you were a excellent man to me too, treated me like a real lady, and I admired how very well spoken you were... you always tried to teach me different things, and I always appreciated your wisdoms and your advice on everything, because you had a good moral judgment and always did the right thing, I even enjoyed when you lectured me and scolded me! Thought it was nice, that someone like you cared so much for me. Your memory will never die. In my eyes and in my heart the image i have of you will always remain vivid, you and I bonded so much the last 8 years and I have never felt that kind of love before. It feels like I knew you a lifetime. It makes me Sad because I think I will not ever love someone as much, as I loved you, Not only will I never find someone like you, but No one will ever match up to you, and there wont ever be a another Ronnie Arbetter ever again! Your definitely one of a kind!
So I ponder a lot, and concluded we must have been soul mates, the only issue was time was not on our side. But in spiteof that I will say this.....
I'am grateful! I meet you in this world, and I will honor your memory always and cherish the good and not so good times we had together for my entire life ahead of me, I Love you dearly and will miss you always, until one day we meet again, I will be the happiest soul in the world, to see you and talk to you again! Until then in my heart is were you will stay and remain
I LOVE YOU FOREVER !
RONNIE ARBETTER!!

LOVE: SAYRA
Bruce Yelen 24-Jul-2008 22:08
The record shop across from Western Auto was "Lee's". It was the best place in the 70's to find oldies from the 50's!
lmartin27-Jun-2008 18:26
We were lucky to have the West Miami Rec. You really could do it all there.
Larry Martin
JavaJohn 15-Jun-2008 20:39
wow...lots of comments since my last visit. here are a few more thoughts....

I was thinking of the West End pool yesterday...wishing my son had a place like it to swim and the Rec to play. Altough I remember 'swimming' at the Rec! When it rained really hard the back field would flood and we could actually dive off the picnic tables into it. There were also great trees for climbing back there.

Ahhh, the Rec Center....the best field trips to: Pirates World, Coca-Cola bottling plant, Venetian Pool, Seaquarium! The activities in addition to the sports there were also great. I remember seeing my first live band at a dance there around '69 -`70 (the guitarist lived on the next block - on 62nd)...watermelon eating contests, lanyard tying, bingo!


Anybody remember Steven Harris? Steve had Cerebral Palsy, rode that big tricycle and was in our Boy Scout Troop (Mr.Dawson was the troop leader). An Eagle Scout, helluva nice guy, very smart but many folks could not understand him when he talked. Later when I worked at Gold Star in the early eighties he used to eat there almost every day.

So did my old friend Bob Rubin, he ate at Gold Star twice a day! Bob first worked at the record shop across the street from Western Trail Auto (can't remember the shop name - bought my first records there), and later for Yesterday and Today Records on Bird road. I think he is still there part time on Sundays! I talk to Bob every few years, when there is a record I just can't find!.

Throught the wonders of the internet, I've reconnected with a number of old friends: Kelly Roberts' Billy Errico, Ian Stewart, Tina Getzee, Skip Miller, even Dana Scavicchio called me recently after 30 years! Anybody ever hear from, or know what happended to Julie Snyder or Chris Duren? Or Stephen Polk? Julio Montenegro?

Oh yeah. Speaking of Boy/Cub Scouts, many of you might remember my mom, Mona, she was a den mother in West Miami from probably '67 - '71 if not longer.

................................................
to BRUCE YELEN: hello Bruce, John Goldacker here. Hope you are well. I don't know if you remember me, I think you either coached us at the Rec Center or you were involved with us in Boy Scouts: Troop 9. I think I went to school with your younger sister(?).
.................................................

I'm still looking for pics of Joe and Leo at Gold star to share with ya'll.
Take Care All..

John Goldacker -
if anyone cares to reach me wisit my website: www.koolbeanz.com
lmartin13-May-2008 19:55
It is a shame. A few years ago I walked past that BK and wondered what it replaced. Now I know. Thanks
Larry Martin
Bruce Yelen 09-May-2008 17:08
Chippy's is long gone (last I saw there was a Burger King in that space). All those places are gone - Wolfie's, Rascal House, Junior's, Pumpernick's. A real shame!
lmartin01-May-2008 00:14
Yes, Chippy's on Miracle Mile on the northeast end. Is it still there?
Larry Martin
Alisa 30-Apr-2008 04:48
ANyone know Chippy's Restaurant Coral Gables?
Gary Pales 05-Apr-2008 12:41
Bob Arbetter was a great guy, my dad had a full service laundry next to Dacktons fish and tackle and enjoyed each other"s company, they don't make em like that anymore.
Gary Pales 05-Apr-2008 12:34
For years, I have talked about the Gold Star deli next to the old Grand Union,a picture in my head I never thought I would actually see, very cool.
Steve 19-Mar-2008 01:35
The first thing I thought of when I saw this pick was Gold Star Deli. *There is the sign in the background. The BEST! They don't exist like this in Miami now... I was ten at the time of this picture. I loved that restaurant.
Don Boyd05-Mar-2008 18:04
The story and obituary concerning Ronnie's death is under the photo of the Arbetter's in the 1970's and later gallery. His illness and passing were tragic indeed.

Don
Roseanna 05-Mar-2008 05:33
On Thursday, Feb 28, 2008 Miami lost a friend and legend...Ronnie Arbetter. He's sure gonna be missed by many! Does anyone remember the location of the old Arbetter's? Was that on SW 8th street or Flagler?

How about revisiting the Coral Way Drive-in theater?! I had a lot of good memories way back when! Ohhh the fried chicken basket .. yeah.. Mmmmmm
guest 26-Feb-2008 02:18
These pictures and comments take me back 45 years quick, it seems like yesterday. Just thinking about he gold star makes my mouth water. Grew up on 16th terrace and 62, could walk to the rec. Went to Sylvania Heights, West Miami and Coral Park. I remember growing up with Bruce Yellen.
vickil21-Feb-2008 15:08
I grew at 6567 SW 12th Street. We shopped at this strip mall every Saturday. The market was B-Thrifty then. At one point, in the early 60's, the Burger King across the street had a sign in their window "now hiring' and I tried to apply. They wouldn't let me fill out an application because i was "a girl". I argued and they let me fill it out, even though we both knew they wouldn't hire me.
This site brings back such memories! Helen E, I think we were best friends with Lauren Brown in the 50's, when we were in elementary school at Sylvania Hts. Then I went to West Miami Jr, and South West Miami High...Vicki Lebar back then. Please email me! vjelster@aol.com
Guest 11-Feb-2008 03:21
I lived on 62nd Avenue, right before Coral Way. My grandpa would take my two brothers and myself over to the 5 & 10 on Fridays after school. It was in the strip mall next to the Gold Star Deli and Grand Union. There was also a bakery next to the deli where my parents would buy my birthday cake. We all went to Sylvania Heights Elementary school and the "Rec" on 62 Ave & 18. It was a great neighborhood to grow up in. Lots of fond memories just looking at the picture.
Bill Lyon 01-Feb-2008 04:37
I lived at 16th and 74th avene. This was our store, deli and 5 and 10. It has been a blast looking at this site that I just discoverd tonight. Can' t close it down its addictve. Went to Flagami, West Miami Jr and Coral Park class of 71. Went to school with at least 2 of you Bruce Yelen and Robin Anderson.
Bob L Zimmerman 24-Jan-2008 21:03
I worked at Kay's pet shop across 8th ST. I would walk across the trail and buy groceries for Kay at the Grand Union. I bought a watch at Pollacks Jewelry store between the Grand Union and the 5&10 store. I grew up 64th Ave & 3rdST SW.
Guest 24-Jan-2008 02:50
I,m sorry, I got the attorney's name wrong. It was William "Trick" attorney at law. I always thought that sign was a joke.
Guest 24-Jan-2008 02:47
Does anyone remember Dachtons tackle shop, in that little strip mall next to; William Trip, attorney.... ?
Ken H 19-Jan-2008 19:10
Correction remember this Grand Union. Lots of good meals at the Gold Star. Have lived in West Miami Since 1949
Ken 19-Jan-2008 16:01
I still live on 10th Street, West Miami and remember this Burger King
Dani 05-Jan-2008 06:25
This photo just freaked me out. Not that I'm even close to old enough to know this picture from being there then. I started spending a lot of hours volunteering at a presidential campaign office in West Miami and that grocery, now called Tropical Supermarket, looks exactly the same...just replace the cars!

I recognized it even from an old picture. It's good to see some part of Miami holding on to the old. New is good, but we're having too much of a good thing now.
Terri Memon 06-Dec-2007 03:01
What a flood of memories, seeing this old picture. I grew up on 76th ave & SW 16th Street. We shopped here all the time. Gold Star Deli catered my very simple wedding Dec of 1977. I went to Flagami Elementary, West Miami Jr. High and graduated South Miami Sr. High - Class of '77. I've been enjoying this site so much. I still live here, just a few miles away (near FIU) but hope to retire to the mountains of NC some day. My name was Terri Lawrence then. So much has changed.
Bruce Yelen 04-Dec-2007 18:01
Yes, I'm one of the "West Miami Yelen's". Martin Yelen is my father.
lmartin29-Nov-2007 03:12
Bruce, are you related to the famous Yelen's of West Miami?
Bruce Yelen 26-Nov-2007 00:46
Before "Grand Union", that supermarket was a "B-Thrifty"! We lived over on SW 9th St. next door to the A&P. When I was 5, it was a treat for us to walk over to the Burger King on the Trail, then over to Regent's Drugs for a milk-shake. I miss those old drug store soda fountains!
Jeff Brauninger 10-Nov-2007 16:40
HelenE, I worked at Arbetter's from 1970, (on 8th Street, then we moved to 87th and Bird Road) to 1977. I grew up off 59th Ave and 5 Terrace, and my best friend Peter Bailey, whose Dad owned the Dairy Queen next to Arbetters, talked me into eating a few hot dogs after playing sports at West End Park in 1966. I loved Arbetters, it was a fun place to work, and Bob Arbetter was the greatest person to work for. We had 5 stools and a chair, for inside dining and entertainment, an old round soda barrel(Coke, Orange, and Root Beer), and a burned up cash register- when if we had a sale over a dollar- Bob would ring the bell on the side of it saying "Another Big Sale over a Dollar-YIPPEE !!. Bob would flip the bun behind his back and would sometimes flip the hamburger patty onto the stove from the back room, too. Bob was a huge Boston fan, and anytime any teams from Boston won championships- he would give away FREE Boston baked beans. Bob Arbetter passed away in 2002, and his son Ronnie runs the family business on Bird Road. The old place on 8thStreet is gone, along with the Dairy Queen and the corner gas station owned by the Betancourts.- just a large furniture store building occupies this area now.
My Mom used to buy groceries at this Grand Union store, and as a kid was in this store weekly. There used to be a butcher shop across the street (62nd Ave- same side as Grand Union), and the owner was a nice guy who would give me a slice of baloney from his slicing of it.
Great pictures, wish we had taken more from that era, it brings back fond memories. Thanks.
Don Boyd14-Oct-2007 03:56
Hi Helen, thanks for your comments. I'm glad to be a part of your sister being reunited with a friend from the good old days. Don
Guest 13-Oct-2007 22:33
How about Arbetters? Best hot dogs on the planet.

And, thanks to you and your wonderful website, Don, I have been able to reunite my sister and a friend who lived 2 doors down from us in West Miami. So you see, it really is a small world.
Guest 13-Oct-2007 22:25
Haven't checked in in awhile. But was I glad to hear someone else remembers the Blue Grotto restaurant. The owners opened up a place in the Keys just like it - same food, same everything. Haven't been there in years.
lmartin12-Oct-2007 17:51
That Rexall Drugs and Thrifty Market at Ludlum and 16th had just about everything you needed. Behind this Grand Union was the West Miami City Hall, where you could get your "Rec Card" so you could enter the Recreation Center on 18th St. and 62nd Ave. Not just a trampoline but this place had it all. Boxing, basketball, baseball, football, tennis, ping-pong and billiards. Just no swimming pool. We were lucky to live there.
Mike H 05-Oct-2007 23:28
Good Guggamooga!!!! The photos are bringing a flood of memories back. What really jumps out from the picture was the 5&10. Musta been 8, maybe 9. Filched a pack of gum from the counter. Mother caught me with it. Hardest lesson of a lifetime. Had to take it back, and fess' up to the owner. Learned how to keep my hands in my pockets that way. Before Grand Union came along, the store was B-Thrifty. Family had cows, and dad used to get vegetable throw-aways for them from there. Dad passed in 54', so that was the time period I remember.. Bakery was Grables at that time. Do remember Mr.Fred Rice. Dean of boys at W. M. Jr. Worked at the Silver Dollar restaurant, 65th & the Trail. Spent many a song at the Rocket Drive-in around the corner, on Ludlam. Lived a little west but the Trail was our stomping grounds. Saturdays was biking to Rexall Drugs At 16th St. Ride the bus to the Gables, the Miracle theater, and for .14 watched two full length movies, two or three serials (Hopalong and Gene, or The Green Lantern) and a slew of cartoons. Left the bikes at the Rexall, and they would always be there when we got back. Worked Ishners Shell, corner of Ludlam and Coral Way thru high school. Do remember the Blue Grotto. Great food. Who remembers the Teepee and the Black Cat. Went to St. Theresa's (elem.), West Miami Jr., Columbus Hi, (original class), and Southwest Hi. Anyone for the trampoline at West Miami Rec. Center?
richard 01-Oct-2007 22:46
Hi all.....I wrote earlier about Gold Star and glad to see your comments Java John! Wow, I went to school with Mike Tandlish. Thanks for filling me in about Joe at Gold Star. He was a wonderful guy and sure knew how to cut lox! I was in the West Miami Jr. High band with Mr. McMurray. I remember when he used to get mad at us he would throw the erasers! He had a pretty good shot. Geez...hard to believe so many years have passed and now I'm living in Seattle at the other end of the US. I get back every so often but virtually nothing is the same. Anyone remember the Blue Grotto restaurant on Red Road? That was one good place...the owner and chef (well, let's call him a cook) name was Rocco. I could go on forever, glad so many of you have wonderful memories of the "way we were." Keep on writing!
Martha 19-Sep-2007 14:40
Grew up on 62nd and 10th Terrace, and went up to this strip of stores every Sunday to pick up baked goods at Papier's, and Deli at Gold Star, went to Sylvania Hts. and was waiting for them to build a bowling alley just west, they never did... good memories growing up there... still live in West Kendall...Kendall=Miami???
Java John 18-Aug-2007 07:58

I used to get chased out of the fish farm regularly as a boy!
And I worked for Leonard at West Miami Lock & Tool in my teens.
...loved the Thrifty Mart....catty-corner from the (Rexall?) drug store.
...Bicentennial Park.....great 4th of July parades.
...Bike Auctions at the Police Dept!

Gus, the old Chinese guy who worked for Duncan Yo-Yo, that came and gave lessons each year at the 5 & 10 in the Grand Union plaza, was the same guy who taught my Dad as a kid in Belleville N.J.!

I only remember Mr. Rice & Mr. Free at West Miami Jr High.
I spent time in many different schools, but went to Sylvania Heights the most....Mrs. Goldsmith, Mrs. DeSylvia, Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Redmond, Mrs. Brooks, Mr. Danzee, Mr. Jackson.

Later I loved the Burgers at the PineTree Bar. The 19th Hole.

funny how the memories flow........
Guest 18-Aug-2007 00:49
Java John

No, my dad passed away in 1979 but he spent all of his time at the deli in the 60's and 70's. Mom was a little upset about Leo and Joe but life does march on, doesn't it? Somehow we all think we are immune to that sort of thing. Dad had an air conditioning business on Ludlam Road and 12 st. Then he moved it to 69 avenue.

Does anyone remember the fish farm on Ludlam and 10 st? And how about the Thrifty Market on the corner of Ludlam and 16 St?

How about Mr Bodger at West Miami Jr High (orchestra teacher) and Mr. MacMurray
band director?

I have a menu from Paley's Big Wheel on 32 ave. And a menu from Alley Cats Restaurant in Coral Gables.
Java John 17-Aug-2007 06:28
Hi Helen.
If your dad was there every day in the early 80's, I'm sure I do know him! Phil?

Anyway, Mrs Clemons...I was trying to think of her name! Man, I wish I had a place like the Rec for my 9 year old. That place was the best.
Guest 17-Aug-2007 00:49
Java John - you sure did take me back a little way. I look at this site for the comments about 2x a week. We now live in the northern part of Florida and my mom who is 84 lives with us. She has gotten a real kick out of seeing the comments. But she often asks about Leo and Joe. Now we can put it to bed. I'm sure we have met - as I said earlier my dad ate at the Gold Star every weekday morning. And Ruthie Tandlish? There's a name I havent heard in centuries. Anyone remember Lil Clemons? She was a fixture at the rec center. And a good friend. I just wonder if she is still with us.

Thanks again, Don. It's been a long time since I've been at this corner, but it makes me feel young again talking with some people I most certainly have run into at one time or another.
Don Boyd16-Aug-2007 16:07
Thanks for writing John, and everyone else. It's amazing how many memories and people can be involved with just one photo like this and I'm glad they're preserved for the future.

Don
Java John 16-Aug-2007 07:02
How kool! Every now and then I do a search on Gold Star Deli, to see if anyone has anything listed on the web - jackpot!


My name is John Goldacker, I lived in West Miami between 1966-85....I lived at 67th & 22nd, then 9th & Sylvania Blvd., then finally at the Ludlam Apts (67th & 13th). Went to Sylviania Heights, West Miami Jr, and South Miami High (briefly)...I also spent some of my Jr & Sr. High years up the coast with my Mom near Cocoa Beach.

In my early 20's I went to work for Leo Hoffman at Gold Star (1981-85ish). I worked with Leo, Joe & Peter. But mostly Joe. Leo had bought a farm in Georgia..his son was gone by then - a whole other (sad) story.
RICK SHAW from WQAM used to come in with his wife on some Sundays, and there I reconnected with my old Troop 9 Boy Scout buddy Steve Harris (and lots of other old friends!)
We had THE BEST corned beef, salami, brisket of beef, knishes & lots more!

I didn't know Leo had passed, but my pal Joe (Yassel) Kazlofsky passed several about 6 years ago. What a great guy. I miss him very much.
Joe was a very funny man, with a great sense of humor, and a heart of gold. He taught me a lot the Jewish people, how to communicate with 'the customer'....and how to hand slice lox! Such a deal!! One of the people who frequented there once told me - "John, not only have you gain't a job, but you've also gain't a heritage!"

I kept touch with Joe (the ol' cocker!) and his wife Sylvia after I left Miami in the late 80's. I used to visit from time to time when he went to work for Lot's O Lox on S. Dixie after G.S. closed.
I've got a few pictures I'll dig out & share if I may.

I also remember Joe & Sylvia's best buddies was Sonny and RuthieTandlish...you know, Mr.T from the Rec Center!
God I loved that place! ....Mr. T., Mr. (gooseegg!) Brown, Mr. Fischel....baseball, boxing, field trips, bingo, watermelon, dodgeball, lanyards, dances (my first live rock and roll)! Man, the sixties there were great!

I'd love to carry on, but it's getting late....maybe I'll swing back soon and talk about Skipper Chuck!
Peace, Ya'll!
Guest 31-Jul-2007 21:35
Helen...maybe we know each other as I grew up on 57th and 10th street. Leo died quite a while ago, but I'm not sure about Joe. Do you remember Jennings 5 & 10?? I think it was on the corner of Red Road and 8th Street? I also remember across the street from this Grand Union was a KFC..in the little strip mall...and of course the Burger King on the other side of the street. Someone wrote about Danker's motel..I went to school with Eddie Danker....also went to Sylvania Heights, West Miami and Coral Park!
Guest 31-Jul-2007 01:54
I can see a fight about to break out between the driver of the dark red pontiac and the other car...anyone have any driving nightmare stories from BACK THEN? HMM
Helen 30-Jul-2007 00:23
What a memory - I grew up in West Miami and my dad ate breakfast almost every weekday that I can remember at the Gold Star. Wonder if Leo or Joe are still alive. Does anyone know? Papiers Bakery made the most awesome cakes and bread. The Napoleons were great but they made a chocolate and whipped cream "victory" cake that was to die for.
Guest 24-Jul-2007 18:06
This was our shopping center! Grew up in West Miami...born in 51! Geez...I remember this Grand Union and, of course, Gold Star. Joe used to be behind the counter along with Leo, the owner. I remember ordering lox and eggs with a side order of grits for Sunday breakfast (where else but in Miami)! My favorite was the bakery Papiers....you're right Robin. The best napoleons I've ever had. Graduated from Coral Park in 1968. Live in Seattle now, but I still get back to Miami every few years. Nothing left from the old Miami and that makes me sad. Anyone remember the Ohio Bar on 8th Street..just a few blocks from the shopping center? They made square pizza that was revolutionary in those days. Also the Sylvania Cafeteria, the Burger King across from the Grand Union, Ziegler's Kosher Meat market?? Wow...this really brings back the memories!! Thanks.
Guest 23-Jul-2007 16:54
Don,

The Gold Star Deli was as good as any top NY Jewish deli, Their cornbeef and pastrimi were piled high of steamed brisket on freash rye. I was really sorry to see it close sometime in the mid 70's.
Guest 26-Jun-2007 04:14
The deli was called the Gold Star Deli.
They sure could slice Kosher salami thin.
My first house was at SW 7th St. & 55 Ave. We used to shop at this Grand Union.
The location was in the town of West Miami.
Robin Albury 27-May-2007 02:14
I remember shopping here with my aunt! There is a 5 & 10 store at the end of this little center and there was a great bakery, Papiers. Not sure about the spelling. a Dress shop and a Deli.
Gosh this brings back great memories. I now live in Georgia.
Robin Anderson. Went to Coral Park High & graduated in 1971