Kimball Allen

Kimball W Allen 9-29-19 to 9-17-11 Kimball Allen died in peace at home on September 17, just short of his 92nd birthday. He was born and raised in Burlington, Kansas and loved to tell stories of his childhood there. Kimball was a bright and witty young man, but not especially motivated as a student. He dropped out of school after the 6th grade in the midst of the dust bowl and the depression and ventured west to San Francisco, a city he came to love dearly. He was able to find work as a Western Union messenger, a"gofer" with a gold mining company, and iron worker in the Martinolich ship yard. During WWII he served in the 5th Army Marine Ship Repair Company and spent most is his time during the war in New Guinea and as part of the occupying force in Japan. Returning from the war, Kimball and a partner purchased a 105 foot surplus boat, named it the Allen-Cody and started a shark fishing enterprise for the Vitamin A content of the liver which was in demand at that time. Kimball was a problem solver, a creative genius and an inventor. He developed the first coin operated laundry mat. It was such a novel concept that he had to hire an attendant with a white uniform just to explain the concept and the use of the equipment. He soon had a small chain of laundry mats in San Francisco. He never stopped inventing and later he developed and patented a coin operated shoe shine machine which he manufactured himself. In the late 60's, Kimball became interested in the natural food business, and he opened the Stanyan Street Natural Food Store. This became the first of a small chain of stores still well known as "The Real Food Company", which he and his wife Jane, owned and operated until 2003. Kimball and Jane also opened the Noe Valley Bar and Grill in the mid 70's which was known both for its food and the carved redwood decor that Kimball designed and did much of the crafting himself. They followed with another restaurant in 1980 called Kimball's which was next to the Opera House on Grove Street. Besides serving the patrons and staff of the arts, the restaurant became famous as a jazz club. They also opened Caf Allegro next door to the restaurant. In 1989 he and Jane opened Kimball's East in Emeryville where many of the great names in jazz played, including Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis and Dizzy Gillespie among others. In his 80's he opened Kimball's Carnival night club with an adjacent pool hall and sports bar in Jack London Square. Into his 90's, Kimball continued to develop new ideas. Kimball always followed his curiosity wherever it led him. He remained brilliant and focused on his latest project up to the time of his passing. Kimball is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Jane Annan Allen, sister Jeanice Pokorny, daughter Annilee Allen, devoted grandsons; Donald Shannon, Patrick Shannon, and Cheyenne Woods and their spouses, Alisa, Katie and Kim, and great grandchildren, Makayla, Hunter, Colton, and Shana. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Allen and his sister, Ruth. His family and friends will forever remember Kimball for his curious nature, his amazing sense of humor, his charm, his intellect and his integrity. A remembrance gathering will take place. Friends interested in attending are asked to contact the family at friend.kimball@yahoo.com