If you’re a D.C. local history nerd like I am, head over to the blog Streets of Washington, which retells the story of an early fast-food pioneer, Childs: “Long before there were McDonald’s or Wendy’s or Burger King restaurants, there was Childs, a highly successful, early 20th-century chain of lunchrooms that started in New York City and eventually spread nationwide. There were at least three in Washington.”

The location pictured here was on Pennsylvania Avenue NW adjacent to the Willard Hotel between 14th and 15th streets circa 1917. Look at the absolutely gorgeous interior!

The lengthy history is cross-posted at Greater Greater Washington.

Photo from the Library of Congress’ Harris & Ewing photographic collection