New Toots Shor's Opens, Gleason Sends Hilarious Message
Dec. 27, 1961 - The new Toots Shor’s, which the restaurateur calls “the joint,” opened today at 33 West 52nd Street. At 3 p.m., Mr. Shor (right) raised his hand, flipped a $20 bill on the bar, and yelled, “Everybody drink! Be happy! Booze, booze!” Soon a crowd was spinning in through the revolving doors. At 3:02, an intruder in a shirt but no tie wandered in and was thrown out. Improper attire. Jackie Gleason sent a long, engraved scroll to “Dear Clamhead,” reading: “Nobody m