PADUCAH, KY - This summer marks a special occasion for PJ and Mary Ruth Grumley. Their children have planned a reception this afternoon to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Paducah's first fast food restaurant. The Burger Chef was started by PJ in 1962.  It was quite a phenomenon in Paducah at that time. Though Burger Chefs no longer exist, the original building is still there at 9th and Kentucky Ave. as Michael's Pizza. There will be a reception in the restaurant from 2-4 this afternoon. The community is invited to come by and celebrate with the Grumley family.

Those old enough may fondly remember the familiar 1962 jingle, “For a nickel and a dime you get, french fried potatoes, creamy thick shakes and the greatest 15 cent hamburger yet. Yes you do - at Burger Chef!” Burger Chef was created in Indianapolis in 1957 with stores popping up across the midwest during the next decade. PJ Grumley and his brother-in-law Lou Hussmann were living in Danville, IL and were looking for new business opportunities. They decided that a Burger Chef franchise might be a good choice for Paducah's first fast food restaurant. PJ and his wife Mary Ruth and their four children moved to Paducah to make that happen.

His family especially hopes former employees and customers from Burger Chef and of course freinds, will come by and visit and reminisce with the family. PJ gave a lot of people their first jobs and he is proud of that. It will be a very special time for the Grumleys to get to catch up with those former employees. 

PJ Grumley is a well known and respected person in town having served as a City Commissioner for 20 years and having been the president of several civic organizations. He served on numerous boards during his public service years. 

Mayor Paxton will be proclaiming a special "PJ and Mary Ruth Grumley Day" in Paducah.