Downing's Old Trail Restaurant

Downing's Old Trail originally opened in 1933 under the name of Hobbs Tavern. The story goes that the Hobbs' operated under the title of a "Speak Easy" until the 21st amendment was ratified allowing the sale and distribution of alcohol following prohibition.

In 1945, following Joe's duties in World War 2, Joe and Mary Downing purchased the tavern off of Mary's aunt and uncle Jack and Helen Hobbs. It wasn't until 1955 when the Downing's began offering a full menu of food to complement their bar business.

If you've been to the Old Trail then you undoubtedly know what their biggest food item is.....Broasted Chicken of course. In 1963 Joe and Mary began serving up the Finest Chicken in the World after a couple of friends they knew from California continuously raved about how good Broasted Chicken really was. The Downing's thought they'd give this innovative fried chicken a chance and purchased their first Broaster. The rest is history......

Broasted Chicken is simply pressure-cooked chicken in a trademarked Broaster fryer. The difference between true Broasted Chicken (the way the Downing's have been serving in for decades) and normal pressure-cooked chicken is the seasonings and flavors added to the marinating process. The Downing's have never changed their recipe since 1963 when Joe and Mary served their first order of Broasted Chicken. Fresh, NEVER FROZEN, chicken is delivered twice weekly. The chicken is then marinated for a minimum of 6 hours in a special blend of