Downtown Arbutus has changed only very slightly over the last 50 years.
Even when the old Hollywood Movie Theatre burned, it was immediately replaced by a slightly bigger and totally updated Hollywood Theatre.
The business district on the 5300 block of East Drive has changed little in outward appearance as well.
Connected buildings are predominately constructed of brick and line both sides of the wide street. These one- and two-story structures enclose a variety of businesses, showcasing their wares with blinking neon signs and glass windows at street level.
Three of these businesses are standouts, two for their operational longevity. One is a comparatively new venture.
At 5309 East Drive, Leon?s Triple L Restaurant andLounge has been feeding hungry residents and visitors for 43 years. It?s small, diner-like atmosphere, with eight booths and three round-top tables that dishes up comfort food prepared from tried-and-true recipes. The menu features items such as crab fluffs and stuffed shrimp and has been around as long as restaurant owner Leon Leroy Lineburg, who, at age 74, shows no sign of slowing down.
His son, Loran Lee Lineburg, handles all of the bookkeeping. Leon Lineburg owns the two-story building that also houses a bar and two meeting and banquet rooms.
“I?ve been very lucky to be in business so long,” Leon Lineburg said, laughing. “No sense retiring now. I live one mile from my front door.”
“And he knows everyone,” said Trisha Shutz, a waitress at Triple L for the past five years. “I do too. I know what they want as soon as they come in.”
Charlie Pak owns the VET Cleaners next door. It?s been in continuous operation for 50 years; Pak bought the business and the one-story building 13 years ago.
Clean as a whistle inside, with a small dressing room and the conveyer belt nestled behind glass doors, the shop offers tailoring, alterations, dry cleaning and even shoe repair. Pak is glad for his nice neighbors and his bevy of longtime customers.
Across the street at 5306 East Drive, the International Art & Gift Market specializes in Irish, Scottish and Celtic giftware and foods. The second floor of the building is a photo studio and specialty frame shop. Owner Jim Vain, photographer and gift shop proprietor, has had the studio for 15 years and the market for four years. He sums up his feelings, and that of his fellow proprietors when he notes that “we?re all very comfortable here.”
