The warmth and charm of the
"Original" Holiday House Restaurant has welcomed diners
since inception in 1959. That was the year founders Willa and
Bob Cook discovered the Old Rose Tea Room with its lovely stained
glass windows and decided to plant their seed for the future
there. Armed with the dream of serving the most appealing meals
anywhere, they cooked and served til the old house was overflowing
with happy diners.
The first buffet service
occurred somewhat like a pot luck dinner. Bob cooked the meats
and vegetables, while Willa baked cakes and prepared salads.
They arranged the food on tables and christened it The Holiday
House Buffet. Dire necessity dictated the cash drawer to be a
cigar box where $1.25 was collected before the meat was carved.
Customers helped themselves to vegetables and salads.
After many refinements,
the system was perfected that set the standards for others to
follow. This popular method of serving spawned a chain of fourteen
Holiday House restaurants, a training center for personnel, and
a supply division, all in Florida. In 1984 the chain was sold
with the Cook's retaining the "Original" Holiday House
in DeLand.
All beef is aged to
perfection before arriving in the restaurant kitchen to be cooked.
Fresh organic vegetables are delivered daily from Willa's farm,
in season. There are new sugarless desserts that have been added
to the bevy of glamorous desserts for customers on special diets.
There is no MSG used in any of the numerous food items served.
Points of interest include Larry's large tropical fish tank.
Beautiful new paintings in oil by Willa, have been added to the original
portraits in the dining rooms. New food creations join the 47 year old
standards as Willa showcases recipes from her cookbooks, Salads and Sweets,
One Pot Dinners. The books were published in response to customer
requests for her "Original" Holiday House Recipes.
The "Original"
Holiday House Restaurant remains a family affair with founder
Willa Cook and son Larry, continuing the tradition of excellence
in service and fresh food quality.
The family extends
a special thanks to all for the loyal patronage of the past with
the most sincere wish that every day brings bountiful fresh food
and happiness for each and every "Original" Holiday
House customer.
Visit us at 704 North Highway
17/92 in DeLand across from Stetson University
Mailing address P.O. Box 1506, Deland, FL 32121