Station Grille at St. Louis Union Station
Fred Harvey revolutionized railroad dining by opening one of his restaurants in the Terminal Hotel at St. Louis Union Station. In order to provide efficiency, the travelers ordered while still on board the train, and then the orders were wired to the restaurant manager, so that people could come in, sit down and enjoy a meal, and be on their way with as little time and hassle as possible. The most essential part of Fred Harvey's success, as well as the most popular feature of his restaurants were the Harvey Girls, who greeted and tended to patrons with classic Midwestern manners and hospitality. The movie The "Harvey Girls" with Judy Garland was made after this historic restaurant. Fred Harvey's restaurant is now the Station Grille, which is located in the Union Station Hotel and seats 130 customers at any given time, serving some of the finest food in the entire city.