San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 1568
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 9/29/2009
ARLINGTON CAFETERIA
Known throughout Central California as the "House of Good Eats" the Arlington Cafeteria has been built up into a prosperous business by Henry Burk and his associates. Since 1912 Mr. Burk has given his entire time and attention to building up an institution that reflects much credit to his abilities as a manager and to the city of Stockton where such an establishment is appreciated. Henry Burk was born near Frankfort-on-Main, Germany, December 12, 1874, and came to the United States when a young lad, arriving at Chicago on July 22, 1889, where he had a brother engaged in the produce business. He made a decided change when he came West and engaged in the hotel business in Spokane, Wash., which he continued until he came to San Francisco and once more engaged in the produce business. After spending two years in Lovelocks, Nev., Mr. Burk came to Stockton on November 19, 1912, and with C.G. Berlin as a partner, bought the Arlington Cafeteria from F.A. Parker, who had established the business a year previous.
When the new management took over the business they had a patronage of from 600 to 700 people; this has more than doubled as from 1,400 to 1,500 people are served daily at this location. The space occupied by the cafeteria has been enlarged several times and each time modern methods and equipment were added to bring everything up to the highest standard and simplify labor. The management manufacture their own ice; have their own bakery; have installed a modern heating system for winter, and have a cooling system for summer, fresh air being circulated every few minutes by what is known as the Wash Air System; have installed two Crescent dishwashers with a capacity of 4,000 dishes per hour, and after being washed all dishes are sterilized in water at a temperature of 150 degrees. Fifty people are employed and it takes the entire output of a 120-cow dairy to supply milk and cream, and 1,000 hens for the eggs that are used daily. Only the very best the market affords is served to the patrons of this ideal eating place and every courtesy is shown by owner, management and employees. The public is cordially invited to inspect the kitchen where every sanitary device is found to prepare and care for the food consumed by the patrons of the Arlington Cafeteria.
In January, 1918, George W. Burk, a nephew of Henry Burk, bought an interest in the business. He was born in Chicago, in June, 1890, and received his schooling and business training in that city and it was there he became a Mason. After acquiring his interest he easily mastered the details of the cafeteria business and demonstrated his fitness in the management of various departments. He is a member of the Stockton Elks and the Rotary Club. Charles A. Schroeder is the assistant manager and since 1919 has shown himself a very capable man in caring for the responsibilities that are thrust upon him. On July 1, 1920, Henry Burk purchased the interest of Mr. Berlin and with the hearty co-operation of George W. Burk and Charles A. Schroeder carries on one of the important enterprises of Stockton.
In 1895 Henry Burk's parents came from Germany to make their home in the United States. His father died on June 22, 1914, in Stockton, and now his mother, aged eighty-two years, is living in contentment at the home of her son Henry at Stockton. While living at Spokane, Wash., Mr. Burk was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Brown, a native of Minnesota, and she shares with him the esteem of a large circle of friends. After an absence of many years, Henry Burk made an extended European trip, his travels taking him to many places of historical interest in Europe, as well as in America.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2011; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.