Story Tavern to serve up a slice of history

A historical bond has developed between the Burbank Historical Society and Story Tavern, a new restaurant opening Tuesday on San Fernando Boulevard.

Story Tavern now occupies the historic building at 150 S. San Fernando Blvd., which once housed Story Hardware, owned by Burbank's first mayor Thomas Story, at the time of the city's incorporation in 1911.

The Burbank Historical Society has provided 80 historic photographs to decorate the restaurant, said society President Sue Baldaseroni. In turn, the restaurant owners have made a $1,000 donation to the society and will also donate proceeds from a grand opening event on Sunday, the anniversary of the city's incorporation July 8, 1911. Funds will be realized from a $25 fee per person at the door between 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Baldaseroni said the donations will go to maintaining the Gordon R. Howard Museum and restoring such items as the antique vehicles on display. The museum is next door to the Creative Arts Center on Clark Avenue in Izay Park.

“It's been a pleasure working with them on this project,” Baldaseroni said. “The historical society appreciates the donations and getting our name out there.”

The society has been great in helping with creating the historical ambience of the restaurant, said La Cañada Flintridge resident Diane Slaught, general manager of Hillcrest Development in Los Angeles.

“They have just come to us with open arms with help and provided all the pictures for our decor and we will continue building that relationship with them,” she said.

The tavern will remain open until midnight on Sunday to give residents an early opportunity to check it out prior to the public opening on Tuesday. The menu offers health-conscious items and no hard alcohol — just craft beer, wine and hard cider, Slaught said. There are gluten-free and vegan options.

BTAC beloved volunteer retires

Fellow employees, volunteers and clients are missing Stacy Schumacher who has retired from Burbank Temporary Aid Center. She was hired as Executive Administrative Director in 1994 after volunteering for several years at BTAC. Her title at retirement was Intake Manager and in that position, she interviewed incoming clients and provided them with what they needed.

To honor her, the BTAC board of directors has named a room after her, “The Stacy Schumacher Food Pantry.” The naming was sponsored by Warner Bros. Studios, also a longtime supporter of BTAC.