History

History of The Bull n’ Claw

Our 30th Season

At the age of 18, the Kennebunk H.S. graduate not knowing whether to be a musician, an actor, or a restaurateur ... decided – “We’ll call it the Bull n’ Bear Steakhouse ... and if the Bear part doesn’t work out we could always change it!” said Daryl Tudisco.

The 70s philosophy – “Think smarter, work harder, give the customers more for their money!”

So on June 29, 1973, the first day the restaurant opened, Daryl and a crew of 5 people along with his Mom & Dad fed over 50 hungry patrons that day! “There were 15 tables, a menu of 5 items and a brand new refrigerator bought on time payments ... and I do mean time payments. Every day I had to put $10 in quarters in a box on the back of that cooler or it would shut off!”

As the years rolled by, expansion of the menu and building continued ...

York County Coast Star Ad 1977
One day in 1975, an employee suggested to Daryl that since we didn’t sell much bear meat he should consider changing the “Bear” to “Brew” or maybe “Claw” and we could sell lobsters ... what a novel idea! Steak & Lobster!

With a unique style of service (cafeteria), reasonable prices, and great food, soon visitors from all over New England were making The Bull n’ Claw a destination.

October 16, 1982
Daryl finally marries his old High School
adversary. The Restaurant changes
colors (twice) and gets regular redecorations.

Sunday Afternoon – October 7,1984 Tragedy Strikes! An exhaust stack catches on fire and the restaurant burns! Undaunted, the crew takes hammer in hand and completely rebuilds in
27 Days!

As time goes on the family grows ... Three children ... a dog ... a cat ... a hamster ... another hamster ... two gerbils ... 9 goldfish ( they live in the fountain in the summer).

In 1995 the self service concept transforms into full service which the customers appreciate even more!

1973 Trivia: Minimum wage – $1.75 ... Gasoline – 38¢/gal ... Lobster – $1.50/lb ... Avg. Household Income – $8,000-13,000.... Average Car – $5,000 ... President Nixon Declares “I am not a crook ...” in Disney World ... Disco Music is born ... #1 Song – My Love by Paul McCartney & Wings ... Russian Leader Brezhnev tours the US ... Juan Peron returns to Argentina ... In the last 30 years we’ve employed 1733 different people and fed a little over 4.3 million happy customers. We sincerely hope to serve you another 30 years and our philosophy hasn’t changed ...
“Think smarter ... Work harder ... Give the customers more for their money!