In 1899, Watson Drug opened as K.E. Watson’s, first on Glassell St., then to its present location on Chapman Avenue in Orange, CA. It was around this time in many parts of the United States that laws were passed prohibiting the sale of soda water on Sunday. As an alternative, on Sunday’s local soda fountains began selling ice cream sodas, minus the soda. The cup full of only ice cream and syrup became the recipe of what we know today as the ice cream sundae. In 1915, Watson’s opened a soda fountain, complete with ice cream soda, sundaes, and phosphates. In the ensuing years, American-style “comfort foods” have been added to the menu and have remained the mainstay of Watson’s restaurant menu.
In 1965, Keller Watson Jr. retired from Watson’s and in 1971, an ambitious young pharmacist named Scott Parker took over the business. Making sure everyone was taken care of to the best of his abilities, in his mild soft-spoken manner, Scott gave his customers and patients a comfortable breath of nostalgia with individualized service. In September 2015 Scott was ready for retirement and sold Watson's Drug and Soda Fountain to Bill and Laurie Skeffington. The proud owners of Ben’s Asphault have a secret passion for food, as well as bringing back historical restaurants for patrons to enjoy for years to come.
Bill and Laurie have returned Watson's to its fromer glory and have also added a few upgrades, including a BLizzard Beer System serving thirty-six draft beers at a chilling 29 degrees. The remodeled resaurant hosts a candy store, bakery, and ice cream parlor. Although the remodeled restaurant features state of the art technology, the buildings rich history is on proud display. The newly named Watson's Soda Fountain and Cafe will be enjoyed for years to come.