Happy 80th birthday to Dan Sauter, the man who founded The Danson restaurant in Claremont (1973-2005, now operating as Espiau’s). More importantly, his restaurant established new criteria for how to run a restaurant in downtown Claremont: Sunday hours, outdoor seating, beer and wine. He’s the subject of Sunday’s column.

Above, an early menu for The Danson. Click on the image for a larger view.