Once upon a time, in a land far, far away an insurance salesman in Portland, Oregon decided to try his hand in the restaurant business.

In 1938 Gene Waddle and his wife, Natha bought a little restaurant in the American Bank Building in downtown Portland. It was a start. A little while later, Gene and Natha moved to Bend, OR where he operated the Trailways Bus Depot coffee shop. These two experiences led up to the building of his “landmark” restaurant, Waddle’s Drive In Coffee Shop at Jantzen Beach in 1945.

Gene Waddle's survival and growth were a true testament to his business savvy, hard work and determination. After all, this was the era of the "Great Depression" and WWII.

The story doesn’t end there. Gene and Natha had a son named Russell who married Marilyn Hunt. They married in 1951 and took over Waddle’s in 1955. Keeping with the family tradition, my brothers and I were born into the restaurant business. My name is Steven Waddle. Due to trademark restrictions, and the fact that we are completely separate from any other Waddle's Restaurant entities,  we cannot use the name "Waddle" in our branding, hence the name “DuckTales Kitchen” (in honor of the time honored familiar iconic Waddle's duck that many in the area will remember). My wife Jane and I will carry on the Waddle family tradition of great food & drink and excellent friendly service in a clean, comfortable atmosphere. Jane and I chose Ballew’s because David has a good reputation for the same values we have. Ballew’s has established itself as the neighborhood's “Great Place To Eat & Drink”.That is what we at DuckTales Kitchen are all about.

About me personally:

I began working at Waddle’s, busing carhop trays at age 7. I have done every job in the restaurant up to and including management. I attended schools in the South Cliff neighborhood where our restaurant is located; Harney elementary, McLoughlin Junior HS and Hudson’s Bay HS plus 2 years at WSU in Pullman. The last 7 years, I have been working for Applewood NW Cuisine & Catering as General Manager. At 56 years old, it’s time for me to work for myself. I married Jane Jones in April 2006. She has been a steady partner and driving force in creating this opportunity. I have 3 children, Matthew, Brent and Lyndi, all of whom worked with me at Waddle’s until they grew up and knew better. They are a huge support and are willing to do anything to help. Jane also has 3 children; Jennifer (who introduced Jane and I), Eric has a cullinary degree and Brandon have worked with me at Applewood and are also figuring to be a huge help. Between our 6 kids we also have 9 grandchildren - Jane and I could not be any better off due to all of their experience, abilities and willingness to help.

I have too many stories about Waddle’s to put in writing. You’ll just have to come in to DuckTales Kitchen and see me so we can share a few over some good food.

I am dedicating this business to my Mom & Dad who have recently passed away. I owe everything to them and it’s only fitting that they can still be a part of our new business.

In loving memory of Russell & Marilyn Waddle