The curry specialty store "Curry & Coffee Kawashima" (Dotemachi, Hirosaki City, TEL 0172-34-8800 ) celebrated its 50th anniversary on February 1st.

This restaurant was opened in 1973 by Tsuyoshi Kawashima at the age of 25. Curry rice with a lot of volume is supported by students, and there are many repeaters. Today, customers who used to eat there when they were students come with their children, and there are also customers who come to Hirosaki from outside the prefecture. It is said that some customers have been coming here for 50 years since the store opened.

Tsuyoshi initially started the restaurant with his mother, Chiyoko. From 2004 (Heisei 16), he and his wife, Mariko, became a three-person team, but Chiyoko left the restaurant in 2006 (Heisei 18), and his son Takahiro joined in 2012 (Heisei 24). It was decided to operate with a three-person system.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary, from February 1st to 5th, we sold "Curry Udon", which was offered at the beginning of the establishment. Takeshi says with a smile, "It was a popular menu item, but we decided not to offer it because of the time and effort involved in making it." In addition, it is said that he served curry with bread instead of naan, beef bowl, and Neapolitan.

Curry rice on the menu was 100 yen at the time of establishment, but now it is 880 yen. According to Tsuyoshi, it is difficult to maintain prices due to rising prices and fuel costs, but he wants to avoid further price increases. "Small curry (with salad)" (780 yen) was Mariko's idea, and "Omelette curry" (1,100 yen) was created by Takahiro. Some regular customers order toppings that are not on the menu, or know of the existence of secret menus.

At the age of 74, Tsuyoshi, who is aiming to continue working for the rest of his life, says, "Thanks to our customers, we've been here for 50 years. As long as my health lasts, I'll continue to take good care of the store." Mr. Takahiro shows his enthusiasm, saying, "While maintaining the style of the restaurant, I would like to come up with a new menu."

Business hours are from 11:00 to 16:30. Closed Thursdays.