"Lucky Wishbone" Owner Turns 90

Anchorage, Alaska —
George Brown, owner of Lucky Wishbone restaurant in Anchorage, had a milestone birthday on Saturday that was open to the public. Brown turned 90 years old, and spent the day at his restaurant, amongst customers, staff, family and friends.

Mayor Dan Sullivan presented Brown with a proclamation, declaring George Brown Day. Brown's daughter Pat Heller says her father did not want a party and only asked to spend the day at the restaurant. But the celebration was anything but quiet as long-time friends and customers flooded in with birthday wishes.

Brown and his wife Peggy opened the restaurant 56 years ago. Peggy passed away last year.

"That was the toughest thing I had to go through. But everybody has got to go and I'm not hurrying it, but I'm having a good time at what I'm doing," says Brown.

"This is his life. It's been his life for 56 years and this is where he wanted to be. It's his special place," says Heller.

Brown sat at his usual spot in the restaurant, visiting with guests and keeping track of the number of hugs he received with a counter. His goal was to receive 90, which by mid-afternoon, he had far surpassed.