Comments on: Return to the Old San Francisco Steak House

By: Oscar Munoz

Oscar Munoz — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:02:59 +0000

Great writing! I too was a kid in the late 70’s, bussing tables, tray-toting, slicing the cheese blocks, etc. I still distincly remember Luke Postolos giving orders and those orders being followed. Even as a kid of 15-16 I remember admiring Mr. Postolos in his fairness, good business judgement, and ability to stay calm and collected. I remember being given the recipe for the Evelyn Cake, I believe that was the name. That dessert was a chocolate concoction made with chocolota, whipped topping, and walnuts. Somehow throught the years I misplaced that recipe and always regretted not having it.
The OSF was a big part of my early years: it seems like a great place for a kid to learn about people, learn about business, and make a really great group of friends, though fleeting.
Great Job! Too bad the Old Lady has left the stage.

By: Stephen Mabrito (aka Nathan Reed)

Stephen Mabrito (aka Nathan Reed) — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:51:35 +0000

The man who was responsible for the demise of OSF was Barry Cohen. He began as GM (circa 1990) for the San Antonio operation, which was the original OSF location built by Henry Reed in 1968. Mr. Reed gained trust in the new charmer, and later Cohen was promoted Operations Director of the four restaurants. Henry Reed remained Chairman of the Board but gave Cohen the title of CEO — and that’s when Cohen further asserted himself and discovered more creative ways to pilfer from OSF and Mr. Reed. In the decade since Cohen’s arrival, the restaurants saw a cheapening of quality and quantity, all while he filled his fat, greedy fingers with other people’s hard-earned money. Cohen was a piece of work! He was the quintessential wolf in sheep’s clothing. He apparently had no respect for the backbone of the restaurant — its people. He repeatedly violated the OSF lifeblood mentally, physically, and monetarily. It was truly sad to watch.

I saw it every day. I grew up with OSF as a major part of my life. I worked at the locations in Dallas and San Antonio. I was there pre-Cohen, during Cohen, and post-Cohen. It was sad to watch the mighty OSF fall. One evening in the late ‘90s, Cohen directed me into the walk-in freezer for another one of our “freezer talks,” where he strangled me, threatened me, and let me know he meant business: do not get in his way, ever again. Shortly thereafter I left the restaurant I loved so much. That is when I could no longer convince Henry Reed of Cohen’s filthy nature. Mr. Reed had been charmed by a real confidence artist — Barry Cohen.

I am pleased to see Mr. Pribble’s article, though. It proves that there was still some love left in OSF lifeblood, even after the Cohen Empire. I do appreciate your article, Mr. Pribble. It reminds me of the good times there. It has been difficult for me to see OSF in that good light since Mr. Reed passed away. I suppose my message is twofold: I thank all the people of OSF for their love and strength, and I want the world to know that my father was not the one responsible for the OSF downfall. My father, Henry A. Reed, would be proud of your dedication and lifeblood, Mr. Pribble.

Stephen Mabrito
(Formerly, Nathan A. Reed)
210-373-7400
mabrito@earthlink.net

By: Kristi Mase

Kristi Mase — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 21:08:53 +0000

Dear Jimmy, I too enjoyed remembering OSF through your eyes. I was one of those “college waitresses” 25 years ago! I still had my uniform up until recently. My daughter (now 12 yrs) use to dress up in it. While working at OSF I met one of my very best friends… even to this day! Our stations were side by side every night and we used the same side bar for our potato condiments, water, tea pitchers, etc. We liked it upstairs because we could go home as soon as the lobby cleared out. That was usually around 10:00. Anyone who came in after 10:00 was seated down stairs. Yes, the girls downstairs made more money but, $100 a night was enough money for me back then! We both eventually left that job but, because of her I met my husband. So, I guess I could say OSF impacted my life in a very profound way!

Thank you, Mr. Pribble, for taking me down memory road. I can still feel the fish-net stockings on my legs and visualize the impressions they left on the botton of my feet after standing on them for so many hours. ~km

By: K Kendrick

K Kendrick — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 20:35:33 +0000

A brilliantly written story that has captured valuable time from my work day, but even exceedingly more valuable time from my past. I too worked at OSF, but in Dallas. I loved every minute of it: I was gagged and thrown into the laundry bin as a prank, but “forgotten” due to the sudden “rush”; I stole a new bottle of Black Label JD and a 100lb block of cheese to spite the new security cameras (never got caught), my tips increased in relation to the height of my flambé cooking; I witnessed major fights after Dallas Cowboy games which introduced a new use for the cheese board; I witnessed mafia deals go down before and after the doors opened; I saw a choking fat man expel a large bite of steak 20 yards a mock speed after being Heimliched by a “doctor in the house”. So many more memories to occupy my day and most not fit for print.

Thank you, Mr. Pribble, for stirring the memories with a brilliantly written farewell to OSF and adding more color to an oldie but goodie chapter of my life. I can almost taste the banana foster and smell the burning liquor. Ahhhhh. ~kk