Spot Cafe

Read about the history and designation of the Spot Cafe historic landmark.

Overview

The Spot Cafe was a significant example of early fast food restaurant architecture.

  • Location: 615 10th Street South
  • Neighborhood: Elliot Park
Circa 1935 menu  1983
The Spot Cafe menu Circa 1935

 

The Spot Cafe at 615 10th Street South in 1983

 

Architecture

  • Architectural Style: Art Deco
  • Architect(s): Unknown

Use

  • Historic use: Commercial
  • Current use: Demolished in 1996

Construction

  • Construction date: 1932-1933
  • Contractor: Unknown

Significance

  • Area(s) of Significance: Architecture
  • Period of significance: 1932
  • Date of local designation: 1983
  • Designation: Exterior
  • Date of National Register designation: Not applicable

Historic profile

The Spot Cafe was a significant example of early fast food restaurant architecture. Henry H. Bowman, a local real estate investor, had the restaurant built. He began construction in 1932 at 230 10th Street South in front of a house he owned. Permit concerns and legal issues meant the building wasn't completed until 1933. 

The Spot Cafe was a very good example of the Art Deco style. Bowman had the builders use white and blue glazed brick and prominent pilasters. Wall signs were set in the brick through painted metal panels above the windows. White building materials were a popular choice at the time. They suggested that the cafe was machine-like, modern, and hygienic. The cafe had a small interior layout like early railroad car diners. Popular White Castle or White Tower restaurants influenced the building design. The cafe itself was an architectural statement. It could attract passing customers with its unique appearance. In a way, the building was like its own billboard. 

From the time it opened in 1933, Bowman's restaurant was called "The Eatathon". The Eatathon served club breakfast from 5:00am to 10:00am. Diners could order sandwiches, soups, fish, oysters, various potato dishes, steaks, and chops. The business became known as the "Spot Cafe" or "Corner Spot Cafe" in the late 1940s. In 1951, Henry Bowman moved the building a few blocks down the street to 615 10th Street South.

Since it was completed, the building did not change much, aside from its signs. Unfortunately, it was demolished in 1996, for an unknown reason. The site is now a parking lot.  

Credits

Photo credits

  • Circa 1935 menu: Courtesy of Hennepin County Library
  • 1983 photo: Courtesy of Hennepin County Library

Work cited

  • Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office
  • K.M. Lockhart, "Draft National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form: Eat-A-Thon, Chick O Burger," October 1982
  • Star Tribune archives

Contact us

Historic Preservation

Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)

Phone

612-673-3000

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415