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	TADICH'S GRILL : A California Goldrush Story

	We’ve all seen the black and white pictures taken during the California goldrush. Business owners selling their wares, food, beverage’s as well as entertainment through makeshift tents. The air was filled with the anticipation of wealth, prosperity and New Hope. The dream of one Croatian immigrant family serving coffee to merchants and sailors coming off square vessels would serve as the foundation of what would one day become Tadich Grill. Originally a coffee stand and New World Coffee Saloon, this establishment stood on Commercial Street in the city of San Francisco from 1849-1871. Although changing ownership a few times it has always been in the hands of individuals descended from the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. It wasn’t until 1876 that John Tadich began working at the New World Coffee Saloon for then current owners Frederich Bralich and Samuel Becir. The name of the restaurant was changed to the "Cold Day Restaurant" when Alexander Badlam Jr. was defeated in the 1882 Assessors Election. Infamous and arrogant Mr. Badlam said it would be a cold day if not elected. Infuriating his opponent and voters he was defeated and found refuge at the New World Coffee Saloon when ice was dumped at his doorstep. That along with the Cold of 1882 started many patrons to start calling the restaurant The Cold Day Restaurant. In 1887 John Tadich became part owner of the restaurant will full ownership in 1888. After the Great Earthquake of 1906, the Cold Day Restaurant was demolished and the business was temporarily moved to Pine Street. In 1912 and after moving the restaurant to 545 Clay Street, Tadich attached his name to the restaurant. It was the next year that the Buich brothers began working for John Tadich. Tom was first in 1913, Mitch in 1914 and finally Louie in 1922. After working and owning the restaurant for 57 year, Mr. Tadich sold his business to the Buich brothers. It was 1928 and it was a new beginning, Mitchell and Louie were the chefs, while Tom was the front man. John Tadich died 20 years later at the ripe old age of 98. The Buich family has continued to run Tadich Grill to this present day. Tom retired in 1950 while Mitch retired in 1961 after having disagreements with Louie as to the direction and hiring practices for the restaurant. Selling their interests to Louie, who now owned 100%, he was fortunate to have his two sons Robert and Steve work at the restaurant full time. At age 67 in 1965 Louie Buich passed away leaving the restaurant in the capable hands of his two sons. Robert, a recent graduate of the University of San Francisco and Steve would now take over and would forge an agreement to keep the business in the family that has withstood the test over the last 40 years. After being witness of the conflicts between their father and uncle, Bob and Steve laid down specific criteria on how a family member could enter the business, hiring practices and how ownership would be handled in the future. Of course there were challenges. Steve and Bob now had to run a restaurant with employee’s that were their father’s contemporaries. These employees actually became mentors to Bob and Steve exemplifying the respect they had for their father and uncles. In the beginning Bob (being single) worked nights while Steve worked days. Tadich Grill was now entering a new era. With redevelopment in 1967 the restaurant moved locations to 240 California Street where it continues to operate today. In 1980, Steve and Bob purchased the building completing the permanent housing that was once a cafeteria. Their father, Louie, had seen this building before and would be proud today of his sons’ vision. In 1993, Steve retired passing his interest to his son Michael. (Third generation Buich) He and his wife of 44 years are enjoying the retirement and traveling. With great planning they are now enjoying the fruits of their labor. Robert continues to work at the restaurant and divides the duties with his nephew Michael. Possibly contemplating retirement over the next three years, Bob reminisces about his first date with wife Barbara. "She and I eyed each other for over three years while I worked at the restaurant." The only customer he ever dated, he and Barbara married one year after their first date. 25 years later and father of four children, he continues to enjoy the business, and is very aware of the importance of taking care of his employees and the possibility of his children perhaps one day entering the family business. Their entrance into the business will be determined and guided by the agreement and its stated criteria. They will have to enter by the same path that his nephew Michael did. Tadich Grill today is one of the most recognized restaurants in the city of San Francisco. A historic landmark in business, it opens its doors at 11:00 a.m. and food and beverages are served non- stop until they close at 9:30 p.m. With over 600 lunches and dinners served daily, loyal employees that continue to carry on the tradition, the menu is filled with tasty items from fish to steak and salads. The service is first class, and the lines out the door prove it. Tadich has stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings as a coffee stand in a makeshift tent during the gold rush, the dream of an immigrant Croatian family has been alive for 151 years. We are extremely proud to be associated with the Buich family and such a fine and historic establishment. We thank them for sharing this story with us.

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