Come for the family atmosphere

Wilma’s Patio celebrated it’s 25th anniversary with a special thank you to loyal customers, some whom have been visiting the Balboa Island eatery on a regular basis since day one.

A special reception Sunday evening packed the iconic restaurant, in some spots standing room only, with many patrons who have become more than just customers over the years.

Founder Wilma Staudinger sat in one of the booths surrounded by friends and restaurant visitors offering their “thank yous” and sharing memories of the good old days. And there have been so many.

Wilma’s opened in fall 1982 at its present location on the corner of Marine and Park avenues on the island. Before that it sat just a block or so down Marine Avenue and was known as the “patio.”

Everyone’s part of the family here, said Staudinger’s daughter Sheri Drewry, who now runs things at Wilma’s.

“What made this last over the last two decades has to be the people that we bonded with over the years,” Drewry said.

Long-time patron Diana Golightly wrote and performed an “Ode (Owed) to Wilma” to the tune of “Makin’ Whoopee.”

“It’s the family atmosphere,” Golightly said. “You feel like you’re coming down here to meet with your family.”

Golightly and her husband have driven down every week for the last seven years, and have a standing reservation on Sunday mornings at Wilma’s.

“The pumpkin pancakes are heaven sent./The Belgian waffles could pay my rent./The food is so great — The staff is first-rate,” Golightly sang. “The place is Wilma’s.”

KELLY STRODL may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at kelly.strodl@latimes.com.