FAMILY HISTORY
SINCE 1923...
In 1923 Louise Sales, a young widow with two boys, opened a lunch counter serving a hearty breakfast on china plates, as well as grilled sandwiches, roast dinners, stews and pies. Mrs. Sales’ Lunch counter built a loyal following with its in-ground stool seating, friendly atmosphere and great food. Over the years, her two sons, Jim and Hugh, as well as Jim’s wife Lila helped in the operation and the family business became a mainstay at the fair year after year.
A KRUSTY PUP WAS BORN
Later, the famous fair onion burger was born, a hand pressed burger patty with grilled onions. In 1970 when the fairgrounds was going through its major rebuild after the great fire, Jim expanded the business by building three new trailers featuring his new product a hand dipped hot dog on a stick. He worked with Continental Mills, makers of the famous Krusteaz pancake mix, to develop a special dog batter and the Krusty Pup was born. The Krusty Pup was such a hit, Jim expanded by adding another dog trailer as well as another hamburger stand. With the help of his wife and five daughters the family business became one of the largest food operations at the fair. Lila continued to run the business for many years with her daughters (Sheila, Leslie, Mary, Jami & Char) after the early passing of Jim.
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
Fast forward to today, the Sales Family owns and operates 7 stands throughout the fairgrounds; serving hand dipped Krusty Pups at every stand. It is still run by members of the Sales family. Mike and Zack (great, great grandchildren of Louise) are proud to continue the traditions put in place by the previous generations. It is still one of the largest family run businesses at the now Washington State Fair with the third, fourth and fifth generations of Sales all active in the business. In spring of 2014, we suffered the devastating loss of our original stand that stood in the northern corner of the Evergreen Hall. Though the building is now gone, our family, our employees, famous Krusty Pups and onion burgers remain. A temporary stand is placed there every April and September. We look forward to serving you and keeping the family traditions alive.