In college he became very familiar with music from the 50's. From watching the movie "American Graffiti" and "Diner" Craig felt that L.A. lacked a dining hang-out where classic American cuisine is combined with 1950's nostalgia and the atmosphere of a neighborhood malt-shop.

After having opened a French-style bistro in Northridge, California, he teamed up with two partners and opened the first Cafe 50's on a corner location in a former Mexican coffee shop located in Venice, California. His concept has been to combine the classic diner look coupled with a lunch counters, stools, stainless steel, an old Seeburg 1957 Jukebox, lots of chrome, vintage booths and wallbox selectors located on the counter. The kitchen sits exhibition style so customers can watch their meals being cooked.

In an adjoining room, you can find authentic 1950's memorabilia with "B-movie" posters, a 1955 Muntz Television playing "I Love Lucy" and "The Honeymooners" reruns, 50's newsreels, tin advertising signs, a trophy case with West L.A.'s University High School sports trophies and yearbooks, political Cold War era newspapers, Eisenhower and Nixon 1954 campaign slogans and even a Schwinn Bicycle hanging from the ceiling.

Stop on by the Cafe 50's at 11623 Santa Monica Blvd. in West L.A. and say "Hi!" to Craig. He likes to give tours of their "Memorabilia Room." Or, say "Hi!" to his partner Joey who will make you feel at home. Drive on over, park your vintage Cadillac and step in to the 50's!