20 Years in Downtown Coos Bay, March 21

It began in downtown Coos Bay at the intersection of South Broadway and Curtis Avenue as Thorton’s Texaco. Back in the early days it was a drive-through gas station and automobile repair shop. Later it became Newell’s TV Repair Shop, and then it was the Coney where a variety of hot dogs and beer were served. By 1994, Gene and Sandy Jones stepped in and took the reins. The “Coney Station.” was born. This Saturday, March 22, the owners will celebrate 20 years of providing good food, a wide variety of beverages and hospitality complete with pool tables and TV screens carrying many favorite sporting events with a cake and more. A ceremony commemorating the occasion will be held at 2 p.m. with a ribbon cutting by the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Mayor Crystal Shoji plans on attending, along with City Manager Rodger Craddock. The Jones have also planned a free live band performance beginning at 7 p.m., featuring “Border Patrol.” The Coney Station, where the train continues to run inside, and hot dogs are still served.