Tuesday, August 4, 2015


Foothills Sentry New Watson’s owners will honor its history


By Andie King It’s true. Watson’s Drug & Soda


Fountain in Orange has been sold, purchased by Bill and Laurie Skeffington of Villa Park. There was a hue and cry on social me- dia when rumors began surfacing about the change of ownership. But the 115-year-old business is in good hands, as the new own- ers plan to be good stewards of its history, accentuating the nostal- gic charm and rebooting the soda fountain and diner. “It’s all about the history,”


Billy Skeffington explains. When approached about purchasing the iconic Watson’s in downtown Or- ange, it was the history that ap- pealed to him. He and wife Laurie have stacks of plans, photos and recipes they are considering for the re-invented Watson’s. In addi- tion to a good management team, they also have experience. They recently revamped Rockwell’s in Villa Park, bringing in rough wood and antiques, while mod- ernizing it with the popular patio and bar area, The Post. The Skeffingtons are poised to pour a ton of passion into rec-


reating the Old Towne favorite. Watson’s has had a beer and wine license for the past five years, and they intend to addmore taps.They will locate a Rockwell’s bakery counter in the corner, showcas- ing their works-of-art cakes, plus muffins and macaroons in boxes. They plan to expand the menu, serve breakfast all day, and ex- tend their hours to 10 p.m. dur- ing the week, plus stay open for 24 hours one Friday night each month.


Fountains of plenty They envision an extensive,


old-time candy counter. But it’s the soda fountain that inspires them. It will be extended into a U- shape, with more seating added where the (former travel agency) gift shop was located. They plan to make their own mouth-water- ing soda drinks and floats -- red velvet or s’mores hot chocolate, rum ice cream and Coke, pineap- ple soda with coconut ice cream. “The kids can do their homework in back,” Billy points out, while enjoying malts, banana splits and milk shakes. Watson’s is one of the oldest


businesses in Orange. It began as a pharmacy in 1899 as K.E. Wat- son’s. The business moved from its first location on Glassell to its present location off the Plaza on Chapman, and added a soda fountain, serving sodas, phos- phates and sundaes. Burgers and “comfort-foods” were added to the menu, and Watson’s became a popular hang-out. In 1971, the Watson family sold the busi- ness to pharmacist Scott Parker, who continued the nostalgic theme, with a large selection of old-fashioned candy, a jukebox, red vinyl booths and unique gift items. Watson’s charm was noted not only by locals, but also movie scouts, and it was used in many movies and commercials, the best-known of which was “That Thing You Do.” Alas, the charm of Watson’s


has become slightly worn, and the Skeffington’s closed the doors to Watson’s Drugs & Soda Fountain on July 31 for the remodel. They plan to reopen in time for the Orange International Street Fair, slated to commence Sept. 4. The Skeffington family is in-


vested in the community, support- ing numerous local charities and school activities. Their family is part of the local history, as Billy’s father Ben Skeffington founded Ben’s Asphalt 54 years ago. After the Navy, Ben, ironically, drove a bakery truck before opening a small asphalt business for resi- dential customers. The business has grown to now include four offices and over 200 employees. It has come full circle: son Billy is now in both the bakery and as- phalt business.


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OC Parks amends alcohol ordinance


The Board of Supervisors ap-


proved an amendment to allow possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages at Orange County Parks events. The amend- ment applies only to county-


sponsored events, such as the OC Parks summer concert in the parks series, and remains at the discretion of the OC Parks direc- tor, subject to reasonable policies and procedures.


Page 11


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