Frederick Henry Harvey: Creator of the First Restaurant Chain

Author:
Readmikenow
Updated:
Feb 8, 2023 8:43 PM EST

During the late 19th century, those who traveled to the American southwest would often visit a Harvey House lunch room, stay at one of Fred Harvey’s hotels and purchase something from one of his many souvenir shops. Fred Harvey accomplished all this after arriving in the United States from London in 1850 at the age of 15. He had only $10 in his pocket.

Early Years

Fred Harvey was born in London, England, on June 27, 1835, to a family of English and Scottish roots. From a young age, Harvey had a desire to be an entrepreneur. He often heard about opportunities to make money in the United States—and so this is where he decided to go. He was 15 years old when he made his way to the United States in pursuit of financial success.

Working Life

The first job Harvey had in the United States was as a dishwasher at an upscale dining establishment known as Smith and McNell’s restaurant. The atmosphere created a desire within him for fine dining. At the restaurant, Harvey developed an appreciation for fine dining, and he also learned about the operation of an upscale restaurant from the owners. They taught him the value of the handshake deal, the importance of providing the best quality service as well as using fresh ingredients, and more. Harvey quickly advanced from dishwasher to waiter and then worked as a line cook.

Restaurant Ownership

Harvey ended up leaving New York City and moving to New Orleans where he fell ill with yellow fever. He ultimately made his way to Saint Louis, where he was employed by a jewelry store as well as several restaurants. As he waited tables, he would also ask the chef questions. He wanted to learn everything he could about the restaurant industry. He decided that one day he would own his own restaurant.

Train Travel and Bad Food

In the late 1860s, Harvey accepted a position as a railroad traveling freight agent. At this time, train travel was difficult. Most trains were dusty. They had flies, mice, and more.

Passengers brought their own food. When they ran out, they had to get off the train and risk eating whatever was available at the train station or local town. Awful, bitter coffee made only once a week was common. Rotten food was also sold and passengers often experienced gastrointestinal distress and illness. Hungry travelers were commonly cheated by scam artists working with railroad workers.

When Harvey saw what was happening, he envisioned creating clean restaurants along railroad lines that provided good food at fair prices.

Civilizer of the West

Harvey approached Burlington Railroad officials in 1875 with his idea of providing restaurants at train depots. The official had no interest in his idea. One of them said he should try talking with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad about it.

Those railroad officials liked the idea of having restaurants at their train stations and were enthusiastic about it. They formed a partnership with only a handshake.

The first Harvey House Restaurant was opened in 1875 in Topeka, Kansas. It quickly became a huge success. Travelers, as well as local residents, liked going to the restaurant. At the height of its popularity, there were over 83 Harvey houses located along the railroads. This success caused journalists to refer to Harvey as "the Civilizer of the West."

Harvey Girls

One of the struggles Harvey experienced with his restaurants was wait staff. Most of the people he hired would often come in drunk, destroy company property, pick fights, and be extremely undependable.

In the 1890s, there were not very many opportunities for women to make money. Harvey did something unheard of at the time. He placed an ad for women aged 18 to 30. They had to be decent, attractive, and educated. Harvey would pay them free train passage to a restaurant location, room and board as well as $17.50 a month in pay. No waitress experience was necessary.

More women responded than Harvey could handle. They were called Harvey girls and considered working for him as a way to have a great adventure and make good money.

Harvey Girl Contracts

Once a girl was accepted, she was given a contract that lasted from six to nine months. During this time, they were not permitted to marry. A house mother oversaw the dormitories and there was a nightly 10 p.m. curfew that was strictly enforced. Their training involved 30 days of learning grooming standards and waiting on tables without pay. Many women considered it stressful and difficult but very worthwhile.

Chefs

Harvey only wanted to hire the best chefs. While traveling, he would often eat at restaurants. If he had a great meal, he would try to get the chef to work for him. He had a reputation for paying his people well and providing the best quality ingredients for chefs to work with. Suppliers of produce were paid well. This resulted in his restaurants being offered first choice in the best produce. It made chefs able to provide the best possible meals.

The Invention of the Chain Restaurant

Creating and maintaining high standards for food and service in all of his restaurants led Harvey to invent the chain restaurant. He and the Harvey girls are said to have civilized the west. Harvey’s restaurants became the gold standard for civility and quality dining.

Creative Marketing

Harvey also established new and different ways to promote commercial cultural tourism. He created something called “Indian Detours.” They provided real Native American experiences for tourists. Harvey was certain to have attractive females wearing outfits that complemented their figures. He also published postcards and sold them as an effective way to promote his businesses.

Death

Fred Harvey died of the flu in Leavenworth, Kansas, on February 9, 1901. He was 65 years old. At the height of his success, he owned 30 railroad dining cars, 15 hotels, and 47 restaurants. With the creation of airplane travel, the increased usage of the automobile, other restaurant chains being created, as well as the Great Depression, his empire eventually faded away.

Sources

Henry Harvey and the Blue Plate Special

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