While the Colonnade Drive-in restaurant is well remembered, it had competition on Bayshore Boulevard from The Spar Drive-in, located at Bayshore and Barcelona. Opening around 1940, they offered curb service delivered by “curb girls” and served Chicken in the Basket for $1, a chicken platter for 65¢, and a T-Bone steak for 75¢. They also offered beer, wine, and sandwiches. Counter service was available inside.

In the mid-1940s, rationing and price controls were in effect due to World War II. The Spars owner T.C. Wilson got popped by the OPA (rationing enforcement) for charging an extra three cents to use a glass when customers ordered a beer. The practice was not allowed, and the restaurant had to make a $17.28 “donation” to the government. In 1946 the name changed to Pauley’s Spar Drive-In. By 1946, it was again for sale for $6,000. In the 1950s, the location was Seely’s Chicken Basket. The Congregation Rodeph Sholom synagogue now resides on the property.

© 2022. Chip Weiner. Old Tampa Photos