08:57 16 October 2015
Owner of Captain America’s, Wayne Persinger, in the iconic restaurant which he has put up for sale. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY
Copyright: Archant 2015
It is a much-loved Norfolk institution with a history spanning five decades.
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Captain America’s in Exchange Street. Picture: Denise Bradley
But the iconic Captain America’s Hamburger Heaven diner is now up for sale as its 73-year-old owner hopes to retire.
Wayne Persinger, who has been at the helm of the family-run restaurant since 1981, hopes an entrepreneur will step in to continue the business, which was founded in 1972.
The leasehold for the Exchange Street eaterie went on the market this week, and it is yours for £175,000.
Captain America’s was the brainchild of 22-year-old entrepreneur Mike Howell, who was convinced the youth of Norwich wanted a restaurant like the ones they saw on television and films.
Some of the staff at Captain America’s which is up for sale. General manager Matt Drew, front, with, from left, chefs Sam Hellesdon and Max Croft, and waitress Lily Richards. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY
He was proved emphatically right long before his death in 1975, in a crash on the A47 Acle Straight.
Customers snaked round the block when the restaurant opened, it became a favourite of Norwich City Football Club players in the 1970s and it was chosen by Lotus mechanics celebrating Emerson Fittipaldi’s Formula 1 world title just months after opening.
Mr Persinger, a former US Air Force serviceman who married Mr Howell’s sister, took over as proprietor in 1981 after retiring from his military career.
He has already cut back his hours to two days a week, and as his three children already have careers of their own he is looking to sell.
“I’d been pondering over it for two or three years, but I’m getting so old I’m ready to retire for the second time now,” he explained. “To be in this industry in Norwich for 40 years is no mean feat.
“It’s the end of an era as it’s been a family business since day one, but we’re proud it’s still here because of all the competition that’s around.”
He recalled Exchange Street when there was two-way traffic and Captain America’s was the only restaurant in the street.
And Mr Persinger, who lives in Hethersett, said he had enjoyed meeting people and working with his “great” staff over the years.
“I’ve had a fantastic career here, but I’m getting older as the days go by,” he said. “I’ve been here 34 years and the business is still good – I just decided I wanted to be fully retired.
“I’m looking to sell it as a going concern, I’m not going to close it.”
He attributed the success of Captain America’s to his staff, the atmosphere they create and how the decor – including the Chevy bursting through the wall – remain unchanged.
“It’s people that work for you that make things work,” he said. “I think if you treat people the way you would like to be treated you can’t go wrong, and I never go downstairs when it’s busy as I would just get in the way.”
He said of his retirement: “I’ll just have another two days to go out and spend with the wife and this, that and the other.”
But he said he may still drop into the restaurant which has been part of his family for so long.
“My wife’s a vegetarian but we do have some items on the menu,” he smiled. “I wouldn’t boycott the place as long as they don’t change it too much.
“We haven’t changed the decor and that’s what people like.
“You get a lot of reunions from the UEA; it’s so nostalgic to come back.
“It’s warm and inviting and I don’t think people would like it to change.”
Mr Persinger has three children and five grandchildren, and many of them have worked at the restaurant waiting tables and in the kitchen.
Waitress Loraine Howes had worked at Captain America’s since it opened in 1972, and retired four months ago.
Listed for sale with vendors Everett, Masson and Furby, the business is described as the only burger restaurant in Norwich that has stood the test of time.
It is said to turn over £400,000 per year and has a speak easy bar on the second floor.
The restaurant has 18 staff, most of them part time.
• If you’re interested in the business contact Andrew Hadley on 01603 280873.
Do you have a Norwich story? Email samuel.russell@archant.co.uk