Due to a posting regarding the "History of The Sugar Shack " and the many false statements, I am going to set the record straight.
My name is Matt Williams and I am the son of Patrick and Mary Williams, the founders of The Sugar Shack Cafe, located in Huntington Beach, California . No, my parents did not find the Shack while walking down the street. My mother was involved in Real Estate in the 1960's working for Reeves Real Estate (which was the other half to the building now occupied by the Shack). The Gentleman who owned the business called "Joyce's Pantry" walked into Reeves Real Estate stating that he really needed to sell his business, my mother made him an offer, which she felt he would decline, due to the low offer she gave. Much to her surprise, he accepted her offer and The Sugar Shack was founded.
It is important to state that my parents have 5 girls and 1 boy and we were ALL involved in the daily operation of the Shack. No, in 1979 we were all not asked if we wanted the business. In fact, at that time, I was serving my Country in the United States Coast Guard. I will not post why Michele received the business. The Turner name came into the business when my sister Michele married Tim Turner in October of 1975.
Since my parents had never operated a restaurant, they looked for and found our first cook, Elaine Tinsley and our first server, Lee Johnson (that's how she spelled her first name) to develop the first menu and coach them on the everyday operations of a restaurant. In fact, roughly 90% of what these two ladies developed are still used on the menu to this day. From the hash browns to Turkey day Wednesday, these ladies laid out what helped to make the Shack successful.
It does bother me that a few of my nieces and nephews are showing disrespect towards their maternal grandparents by making false statements. My parents were very hard workers!!! Not only were they trying to make their business successful, they also worked full time jobs. It was not easy for them and I hope this Blog will set the record straight.
