Happy Day History
Happy Day Corporation’s story began in 1969 with a leap of faith, a lot of determination, and a little help from family.
Bruce Finch, a University of Idaho graduate with degrees in education and business, and his wife Joy set out to open Lewiston’s very first Taco Time. At the time, neither had restaurant experience, but Bruce’s father, Charles Finch, believed in their vision and helped them. Together, the family opened the first location and soon added two more, laying the foundation for what would eventually become a beloved local restaurant group.
By the late 1970s, Bruce bought out his father’s share of the business and officially created Happy Day Restaurants. The name was inspired by Joy’s positive outlook and the spirit they hoped every guest would feel when visiting their restaurants.
Throughout the 1980s, the Finches continued growing the business, finding success with both Taco Time and Arby’s locations in the Lewis-Clark Valley. But Bruce and Joy had bigger ideas than quick service alone. In the late ’80s they introduced something new to the area: a full-service restaurant with personality. Zany Graze, with its playful Hollywood diner theme and welcoming family atmosphere, quickly became a local favorite.
That momentum sparked a wave of creativity and expansion that would shape the valley’s dining scene for decades to come, bringing restaurants like Main Street Grill, Southway Pizzeria & Deli, Tomato Bros., and Mystic Café to life.
What started as one small restaurant built on faith and family has grown into a collection of local gathering places. The timeline below highlights some of the key moments that helped shape Happy Day into what it is today!
1969
Happy Day was founded with Lewiston Taco Time in 1969. Bruce’s dad, a local contractor, helped build the building! Lewiston Taco Time did not have a drive through so the lobby stayed busy. This location was managed by Sue Becker and fun fact, the building still stands and is now Thai Taste. Read more here!
1970
Pullman Taco Time was the second Happy Day restaurant and it opened in 1970. It was known for it’s European drive through that locals referred to as ‘flipped’ and ‘weird’. They were also know for their 3 tacos for $1! The Taco Time shut down in 2009 but the memories still stand.
1973
Moscow Taco Time opened in 1973. It was best known for it’s abstract drive-thru mural! Nowadays, it’s known for serving beer on tap, which is extremely uncommon in fast food. Locals refer to their breakfast item as the restaurant’s ‘best-kept secret’
1979
Clarkston Taco Time opened in the old KFC building. It originally had an outdoor patio and playground, which has since been replaced by the iconic solarium. After a fire in 1996, Clarkston Taco Time was remodeled into what we know and love today. Today it is recognized as one of the best Taco Times in the region, known for it’s airy atmosphere and river views.
1982
Lewiston Arby’s opened in 1982 and gained popularity quickly. In fact, 400 local women had signed a petition to get an Arby’s opened in the valley! Safe to say, demand was high. This Arby’s was so successful, they won store of the year… twice! The prize? A free franchise! This is how Clarkston and Orchard’s Arby’s were born. Read more here! 
1983
Lewiston Taco Time moved to it’s current location in the old Arctic Circle. We quickly outgrew our original location and moved here due to it’s larger parking spot and being able to offer drive thru service!
1984
Moscow Arby’s opened in 1984. This Arby’s had something extra though… a band! Arby’s launched a “Go West” Promotion and Moscow took it to the next level. Behind the building was a stage. Some local employees, such as Bill Hebert and Randy ,formed a band and performed 70’s and 80’s soft rock (think James Taylor). Small town fast food, Big personality.
1987
Zany’s Hollywood Grill opened in Old Kenney’s Shoe Store. Alongside it, Lulu’s Frozen Yogurt. Zany’s originally only sat 30 people, and they served BBQ and fresh deli sandwiches. Zany’s has an elaborate and crazy history, read the full history by clicking on the Newsletter tab at the top of the page! Read more here!
1991
In 1991, Happy Day Catering was founded.
1993
In 1993, Clarkston Arbys opened! The building was built from the ground up, and was a free franchise! Lewiston Arby’s won store of the year and the reward? A free franchise!
1993
1993 was a busy year! Alongside the new Arby’s, Tomato Bros was also opened in the old TJ’s Pantry!
1996
In 1996, a second Arby’s location was opened in the gas station that A&W is in now!
1996
Alongside the new Moscow location, an Arby’s location also opened in the Lewiston Orchards!
1999
The second Moscow Arby’s location closed because the town just wasn’t big enough for two! After some learning curves, A&W opened here! A Lewiston A&W also opened this year in the Lewiston Center Mall.
2000
in 2000, Main Street Grill opened under the name “Who’s on First” which was a reference to a comedy routine done by Abbott and Costello. 
2004
in 2004, Southway Pizzeria opened under the name “Big Cheese Pizza”. They changed their name in 2006 to Southway!
2009
The Pullman Taco Time location closed in 2009.
2010
The Clarkston Event Center opened! The building has two rooms. The Safari Room, which is the smaller of the two, has a private bar, intimate setting, and seating for 80-100 people. The Grand Room has a dance floor, full bar, and seating for 200!
2012
In 2012, Ken King and Bruce Finch started Vet’s Lunch. It started as a Veteran’s Day lunch, and they decided to make it a monthly tradition.
2014
In 2014 Mystic Cafe opened in half of the old Morgan Bro’s building. Only half the building didn’t stop them from hosting live music nights! They remodeled in 2017 into what we know and love today!
2015
Zany’s was remodeled in 2016! This remodel opened up the other half of the building, creating what is now the Z Pub and sushi bar! (They also got their liquor license this year)
2016
The remodels! Every 10 years, our franchises are required to remodel. This year, it was Clarkston Arby’s and Orchard’s Arby’s.
2022
Big moves were made in 2022. Happy Day purchased the Distribution Warehouse, marking the beginning of Happy Day Local. 
2023
The Happy Day Local Butcher Shop opens!
2024
Southway on Thain opens in 2024. Fun Fact: When the owner of Savannah Mall (where Southway on Thain lives) sold the property, he actually put in a clause that if Bruce Finch ever wanted a space here, he could! 
2025
Happy Day Local’s website went live and our beef became available for sale to the public!
2026
Happy Day Local opened it’s bakery. Now buns, breads, and desserts made with locally sourced ingredients are making their way into Happy Day Restaurants!
