Hi Kathleen, you are not possibly from Los Angeles originally? I was born and raised there on Venice Blvd and Hauser, a relatively short distance from Van de Kamps
Born in LA
Raised in Baldwin Hills
Went to St John Viente High School
At 3rd an d Detroit street.
Saw all the new TV shows before release
At CBS on Farfax St.
I am sure you went to Canters Deli
Had some Dr.Browns soda..Carol Shelby
Mustang’s were built just off La Brea.
He was a very nice man.Would hang out their sometimes after school.
Farmers Market? Pup n’ Taco. ECT..
I can go on and on.After College would hang out daily at the Polo Lounge!
If you are from LA tell me who the bell boy was(famous),and the name of the Hotel or is in.?
Movie Stars,ha ha Zito should write a book.
Hi, I recall going to van decamps coffee shop in Wilshire and masillan in the 1950’s with my dad. It was one of the best restaurants I ever recall eating at. Everything was clean, the waitresses were impeccably dressed in their uniforms, the food was excellent, the menu was the same and the prices were low. I wish they were still around, but even if they were, I’m sure it would not be as good.
Thanks, Warner McIntire, Sarasota, FL
Hi, I never worked at Van de Kamps Wilshire Coffee Shop but my Dad and me frequented the place between 1952-1955. I recall it being one of the best restaurants in my experience. Great food and prices at that time
My mother would take me there after visiting a medical specialist a couple of miles away on Wilshire. Like others here, it impressed me in its appearance, foos and service.
They don’t make ’em like that anymore.
Walked to this Van De Kamp’s restaurant once a week in 1968 and 1969 when I lived on Cochran and Wilshire. Good food and good prices. I remember a separate bakery and candy store here also. A beautiful building torn down in the 1970’s, now there is an Office Depot at this location.
Hi david, If you are the one who lived on Wilshire and Cochran in 1969’s, I was born in 1937 and lived at Venice and Hauser Blvds until 1956. I recall very well the great restrauant
I came after that time period, just before the 70’s and live on St Andrews Place. My sister worked at VDK from 1962 until the 70’s. Her name was Colleen.
Anytime anyone wants to contact me re Van de Kamps Wilshire coffee shop, please do. especially if they recall the early to middle 50’s
Warner McIntire
Hi Gary do you have any photos, etc? I have a website on FB 70-tise Wilshere VDK that has some photos, etc.
Hello, my mother worked there in the 1950’s along with Jean Howard. She told me that Judy Garland’s husband would bring Liza in sometimes, she was just a little girl.
nice story! I’ve cooked for many people I’ve never knew about, but also some I did!
I worked there in 1960.
I grew up in Park La Brea
In the 40’s thru the 60’s. Worked at Orbachs on Wilshire and went to Fairfax High. Frequented Farmers Market, Town and Country, and remember going to baseball games at Gilmore Field (Hollywod Stars or the Los Angeles Angels. Many memories still crisp in my mind. I do remember the deserts at Vandecamps; it was a classy place.
For some reason, I still have a children’s menu from this Van de Kamp’s, from when my grandmother used to take me there in the 60s…my favorite meal (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, milk and ice cream) was 25 cents!
YES! I knew them…Do you have any photos? Thanks!!!
I knew Ruth Casby in 1961 work with her at Van De Kamps I was 16 she was a great friend what ever happened to her.
I have one photo of her and I at POP.
Is there any chance of getting a copy of the photo? Thanks!
I guess I am one of the old guys. I remember Van de Kamps Wilshire coffee shop in the 50’s. I went there with my Dad. My favorites were a cheeseburger with fries for 50 cents and enchiladas for probably 2.00. The waitresses were REAL CLASS
My grandmother used to take m to the Van de Kamp’s in Glendale often in the mid day to late 50’s. They made the best French toast. Would love to know how they made it so crisp and crunchy! Delicious!
I hitch hike to LA in 1960 as a high school drop out and got a job at Van de Kamps .from Boston. La was Gods Country then .The waitresses were gorgeous and the food was great.that job and the LA environrment ..was outstanding .. it was the impetus that led me to greater aaccomplishments
I worked there as a waitress with a friend in the Fall of either 1968 or 69. We were 20 years old and a lot younger than the other waitresses. I remember having to enter our orders into fancy machines in the middle of the dining room. The place was huge!
It had a seating capacity of 500. Do you have any photos? Thanks!
Roxanne, I just found this site and it put such a smile on my face. I also worked as a waitress at Van de Kamps around that time. I was in high school and it was my first summer job. My mother worked there as well for many years. Her name was Olga Gerski. I may have pictures. It was a wonderful time to grow up. I love this place and have so many fond memories. Would love to read more stories about it.
Glad to read your comments! I was a Cook there around abt that time. LOVE VDK!!It was like family. If you have pictures pls post on a Facebook Group Site I created: 70-tise Wilshire Van de Kamps. Thanks!
Hi David. I think I have some pictures. I will start looking and share what I find. Another name that came to mind was Lydia Wozniak. She was a manager at VDK and my mother’s best friend for many years. Do you remember the break room where everyone sat to eat? I clearly remember wearing the nylon blue uniform and the white Dutch hat!! I forgot to mention that my Dad worked next door at Prudential!! That whole area holds many dear memories for me.
I recall Lydia Wozniak, she had black hair & with a white streak in it. Also remember the Assistant Manager, Mrs De kaiser.. I’ve ate man meals of the years in the break room. Good reading your responses…
Yes, those were two of my Mom’s best friends and co-workers. Thank you for sharing those names and memories.
I have some photos on the Face Book Site I posted.
I remember your name, I left in 1969 drafted into the army.
I worked at VDK Wilshire from 1964 until 1969. Started as a Busboy, Dishwasher, Pot washer, Soda fountain, Fry Cook, Host and Ended as Night Manager.
Edward G Robinson, David McCallum, Richard Pryor were customers I remember.
I’m sure many more celebrities, too.
Is there anybody out their that worked there in 1960.
This was all such a long time ago. It was a special place. I do remember the food being great and that it was always busy. Everyone worked very hard. Do you remember Carnation’s down a ways on Wilshire? That was another wonderful place to enjoy delicious ice cream. Keep in touch. I am looking for pictures.
Late 1950s when I was a cadet at Page Military Academy on Cochran and San Vicente I got to choose the restaurant for dinner after each monthly dress parade. My choice was always Van de Kamp’s on the Miracle Mile and always ordered the chicken pot pie and jello with whipped cream for dessert. My favorite meal at the age of nine.
Hi Tim, My Dad and I went to the Van de Kamps coffee shop many times on Wilshire and Massilon between 1953-1955. Most always got the cheeseburger,French Fries, or the Enchilada. It was one of the best Restaurants I have been to, Got to know several of the waitresses there by name, although I can’t recall the names now. We lived on Venice Blvd and Hauser in those days.
Warner McIntire
Im looking for a Ruth Cosby that worked at Van de Kamps coffee shop back in 1960 or 61 as a Host’s
Hello Warner, my mother worked there around 1959- 1983. Her name was Olga Gerski. A wonderful hard-working waitress who loved her job. I worked there as well before going off to college in 1972. Here’s to all the past memories of dear old Van de Kamps!!
This place on Wilshire did not serve Black People back in the 1960’s.
Too this day I refuse to buy this brand!!!
I was with my Mother and we were turned away!
My Mother worked in the movie biz
And drove a new Cadillac from Lou Elders
Cadillac also on Wilshire.
I purchased my first Cadillac from Lou
Elders Cadillac.
It is possible you & your mom were refused entrance to the restaurant during the 60’s, however, as a teen in high school, my family & i ate there on three or four occasions between 1971-1973, and i can’t remember feeling any discrimination from the servers or management.
Maybe they didn’t serve Blacks in the 60’s, but by the time my family & I went there on three or four occasions between 1971-1973, there was no such rule.
Somehow the windmill drew my attention: there is a film on Youtube taken by someone while driving down Wilshire Bvd in the 1950s. You can clearly notice this restaurant when the camera passes by. Here is the link but in case that doesn’t work just go to Youtube and search for it: https://youtu.be/5fL8n_aAisQ.
I loved VDK as a kiddo and remember ordering peaches. The menu read “Indian Peaches” – does anyone remember the item and (hopefully) a facsimile of the recipe?
Hi could you see if you could find anybody that work there in 1960 Im trying to find an old friend her name was Ruth Casby back then . Would like to know what became of her. Its been so long ago. My name is Gary Bruner.
Miracle Mile Residential Association 
this coffee shop brings back many fond memories of my and my dad eating here from 1951-1955 – I recall it being the best restraurant .
You can see an old video of Van De Kamps here.
Best times ever!!!
Hi Kathleen, you are not possibly from Los Angeles originally? I was born and raised there on Venice Blvd and Hauser, a relatively short distance from Van de Kamps
Born in LA
Raised in Baldwin Hills
Went to St John Viente High School
At 3rd an d Detroit street.
Saw all the new TV shows before release
At CBS on Farfax St.
I am sure you went to Canters Deli
Had some Dr.Browns soda..Carol Shelby
Mustang’s were built just off La Brea.
He was a very nice man.Would hang out their sometimes after school.
Farmers Market? Pup n’ Taco. ECT..
I can go on and on.After College would hang out daily at the Polo Lounge!
If you are from LA tell me who the bell boy was(famous),and the name of the Hotel or is in.?
Movie Stars,ha ha Zito should write a book.
Hi, I recall going to van decamps coffee shop in Wilshire and masillan in the 1950’s with my dad. It was one of the best restaurants I ever recall eating at. Everything was clean, the waitresses were impeccably dressed in their uniforms, the food was excellent, the menu was the same and the prices were low. I wish they were still around, but even if they were, I’m sure it would not be as good.
Thanks, Warner McIntire, Sarasota, FL
I & other family worked there around 69, 70, 71 & 72, would like to contact others! There was no better job or place I have known since.
Hi, I never worked at Van de Kamps Wilshire Coffee Shop but my Dad and me frequented the place between 1952-1955. I recall it being one of the best restaurants in my experience. Great food and prices at that time
By chance do you have any photo’s of the restaurant? bradfield53@yahoo.com Thanks!
I worked there in 1960.
My mother would take me there after visiting a medical specialist a couple of miles away on Wilshire. Like others here, it impressed me in its appearance, foos and service.
They don’t make ’em like that anymore.
Walked to this Van De Kamp’s restaurant once a week in 1968 and 1969 when I lived on Cochran and Wilshire. Good food and good prices. I remember a separate bakery and candy store here also. A beautiful building torn down in the 1970’s, now there is an Office Depot at this location.
such a shame! While I was working in Memphis they took down American Studios that Elvis recorded in and put a Dollar Store.
Do you have any photos of Van de Kamps on Wilshire? Thanks!
Hi david, If you are the one who lived on Wilshire and Cochran in 1969’s, I was born in 1937 and lived at Venice and Hauser Blvds until 1956. I recall very well the great restrauant
I came after that time period, just before the 70’s and live on St Andrews Place. My sister worked at VDK from 1962 until the 70’s. Her name was Colleen.
Anytime anyone wants to contact me re Van de Kamps Wilshire coffee shop, please do. especially if they recall the early to middle 50’s
Warner McIntire
I worked there in 1960.
Hi Gary do you have any photos, etc? I have a website on FB 70-tise Wilshere VDK that has some photos, etc.
Hello, my mother worked there in the 1950’s along with Jean Howard. She told me that Judy Garland’s husband would bring Liza in sometimes, she was just a little girl.
nice story! I’ve cooked for many people I’ve never knew about, but also some I did!
I worked there in 1960.
I grew up in Park La Brea
In the 40’s thru the 60’s. Worked at Orbachs on Wilshire and went to Fairfax High. Frequented Farmers Market, Town and Country, and remember going to baseball games at Gilmore Field (Hollywod Stars or the Los Angeles Angels. Many memories still crisp in my mind. I do remember the deserts at Vandecamps; it was a classy place.
For some reason, I still have a children’s menu from this Van de Kamp’s, from when my grandmother used to take me there in the 60s…my favorite meal (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, milk and ice cream) was 25 cents!
Hi Barbara would you be interested in getting rid of the menu? I was a cook there along with my brother and nephews
and others.
Do you recall the chicken pot pie? I never ate there, but my husband was raised on it
My mother was one of the waitresses back in the day. Her name was Ruth. There were two other women who worked there named Daisy and Lula.
Hi Toni, I think I recall the names, Ruth, Daisy and Lula; was Lula a cook? Thanks!
Your mothers name was Ruth what was her Maiden name.
Thank you for responding; I remember all three ladies! I have a VDK site of FB: 70-tise Wilshire Van de Kamps. https://www.facebook.com/groups/113123378715409/?ref=bookmarks you might find some photos, etc there.
Hi Toni was your mothers maiden name Casby by any chance.
YES! I knew them…Do you have any photos? Thanks!!!
I knew Ruth Casby in 1961 work with her at Van De Kamps I was 16 she was a great friend what ever happened to her.
I have one photo of her and I at POP.
Is there any chance of getting a copy of the photo? Thanks!
I guess I am one of the old guys. I remember Van de Kamps Wilshire coffee shop in the 50’s. I went there with my Dad. My favorites were a cheeseburger with fries for 50 cents and enchiladas for probably 2.00. The waitresses were REAL CLASS
My grandmother used to take m to the Van de Kamp’s in Glendale often in the mid day to late 50’s. They made the best French toast. Would love to know how they made it so crisp and crunchy! Delicious!
Battered and deep fried with powder sugar on top!
well since I cooked it, I’ll tell ya. Dip in Egg Batter (Egg, milk & cinnamon) deep fried on one side, flipped & sprinkled with powered sugar.
Enjoy!
Thank you so much, David!! I seem to remember the bread was thick and crust less…was it an egg bread? Hope all is well with you and yours
Im looking for a person I knew back in 1960 Named Ruth Cosby we both worked at Van De Kamps back then and were friends , its been a lot of years.
I hitch hike to LA in 1960 as a high school drop out and got a job at Van de Kamps .from Boston. La was Gods Country then .The waitresses were gorgeous and the food was great.that job and the LA environrment ..was outstanding .. it was the impetus that led me to greater aaccomplishments
I too work there in 1960, I worked the fountain, started as a buss boy. Gary bruner
I worked there as a waitress with a friend in the Fall of either 1968 or 69. We were 20 years old and a lot younger than the other waitresses. I remember having to enter our orders into fancy machines in the middle of the dining room. The place was huge!
That it was.
It had a seating capacity of 500. Do you have any photos? Thanks!
Roxanne, I just found this site and it put such a smile on my face. I also worked as a waitress at Van de Kamps around that time. I was in high school and it was my first summer job. My mother worked there as well for many years. Her name was Olga Gerski. I may have pictures. It was a wonderful time to grow up. I love this place and have so many fond memories. Would love to read more stories about it.
Glad to read your comments! I was a Cook there around abt that time. LOVE VDK!!It was like family. If you have pictures pls post on a Facebook Group Site I created: 70-tise Wilshire Van de Kamps. Thanks!
Hi David. I think I have some pictures. I will start looking and share what I find. Another name that came to mind was Lydia Wozniak. She was a manager at VDK and my mother’s best friend for many years. Do you remember the break room where everyone sat to eat? I clearly remember wearing the nylon blue uniform and the white Dutch hat!! I forgot to mention that my Dad worked next door at Prudential!! That whole area holds many dear memories for me.
I recall Lydia Wozniak, she had black hair & with a white streak in it. Also remember the Assistant Manager, Mrs De kaiser.. I’ve ate man meals of the years in the break room. Good reading your responses…
Yes, those were two of my Mom’s best friends and co-workers. Thank you for sharing those names and memories.
I have some photos on the Face Book Site I posted.
I remember your name, I left in 1969 drafted into the army.
I worked at VDK Wilshire from 1964 until 1969. Started as a Busboy, Dishwasher, Pot washer, Soda fountain, Fry Cook, Host and Ended as Night Manager.
Edward G Robinson, David McCallum, Richard Pryor were customers I remember.
I’m sure many more celebrities, too.
Is there anybody out their that worked there in 1960.
This was all such a long time ago. It was a special place. I do remember the food being great and that it was always busy. Everyone worked very hard. Do you remember Carnation’s down a ways on Wilshire? That was another wonderful place to enjoy delicious ice cream. Keep in touch. I am looking for pictures.
Late 1950s when I was a cadet at Page Military Academy on Cochran and San Vicente I got to choose the restaurant for dinner after each monthly dress parade. My choice was always Van de Kamp’s on the Miracle Mile and always ordered the chicken pot pie and jello with whipped cream for dessert. My favorite meal at the age of nine.
Hi Tim, My Dad and I went to the Van de Kamps coffee shop many times on Wilshire and Massilon between 1953-1955. Most always got the cheeseburger,French Fries, or the Enchilada. It was one of the best Restaurants I have been to, Got to know several of the waitresses there by name, although I can’t recall the names now. We lived on Venice Blvd and Hauser in those days.
Warner McIntire
Im looking for a Ruth Cosby that worked at Van de Kamps coffee shop back in 1960 or 61 as a Host’s
Hello Warner, my mother worked there around 1959- 1983. Her name was Olga Gerski. A wonderful hard-working waitress who loved her job. I worked there as well before going off to college in 1972. Here’s to all the past memories of dear old Van de Kamps!!
This place on Wilshire did not serve Black People back in the 1960’s.
Too this day I refuse to buy this brand!!!
I was with my Mother and we were turned away!
My Mother worked in the movie biz
And drove a new Cadillac from Lou Elders
Cadillac also on Wilshire.
I purchased my first Cadillac from Lou
Elders Cadillac.
I worked there in 1960 dont remember any such rule.
It is possible you & your mom were refused entrance to the restaurant during the 60’s, however, as a teen in high school, my family & i ate there on three or four occasions between 1971-1973, and i can’t remember feeling any discrimination from the servers or management.
If that’s true it certainly didn’t pertain to any of the hired help. I never saw any segregation going on.
Yep! I remember the Chicken Pot Pies.
To the person with mother named Ruth Maden nane Casby what ever happened to her..
Maybe they didn’t serve Blacks in the 60’s, but by the time my family & I went there on three or four occasions between 1971-1973, there was no such rule.
Somehow the windmill drew my attention: there is a film on Youtube taken by someone while driving down Wilshire Bvd in the 1950s. You can clearly notice this restaurant when the camera passes by. Here is the link but in case that doesn’t work just go to Youtube and search for it: https://youtu.be/5fL8n_aAisQ.
If you have any information on Ruth Casby please Email me at countryman545@yahoo.com
Hello All.
Wonderful reading all your memories!
I loved VDK as a kiddo and remember ordering peaches. The menu read “Indian Peaches” – does anyone remember the item and (hopefully) a facsimile of the recipe?
Thanks for your time
ScrapItStella@aol.com
Hi could you see if you could find anybody that work there in 1960 Im trying to find an old friend her name was Ruth Casby back then . Would like to know what became of her. Its been so long ago. My name is Gary Bruner.