The Fat Man is the portrait of of a very satisfied, well-fed gentleman with a friendly smile and piercing blue eyes. He was once the logo of
the Club Cafè, founded in 1935 by Phillip Craig and Floyd Shaw. But who was the original Fat Man? Was he a caricature of the great orator Will Rogers, or perhaps one of the original owners? No one really knows. But through the years, the Fat Man came to symbolize American prosperity, confidence, and resilience even in the face of World War II, Vietnam, Watergate and the 1970’s energy crisis. For generations, the Fat Man invited hungry tourists along Route 66 to drop by for biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steaks and other hearty meals. The Club Cafè became a popular tourist destination and remained so for many, many years. In 1991, it served its final meal before closing its doors for the last time.
Years later, the abandoned building was purchased by Joseph and Christina Campos (owners of Joseph’s Restaurant, just up the street). Unfortunately, the old building was in great disrepair and plans to re-open the Club Cafe were soon abandoned. Fearing the demise of the Fat Man, a local icon, the Campos’s welcomed him into the family and brought him home to Joseph’s Bar & Grill. His smiling face can once again be seen on billboards, mugs and t-shirts welcoming hungry tourists to come by and enjoy a hearty meal in beautiful Santa Rosa.
Joseph's Bar & Grill 