Our play "Trouble at Tiedtke's" features a fictionalized account of the early years of Clark "Red" Wells. However, Red (as he was known) was a very real person. His parents owned "Wells and Wells" restaurant on Monroe Street in Toledo.
After serving in the US Marine Corp in World War I, Red joined his parents making roast beef sandwiches at the restaurant. Serving sandwiches only, there were five people making sandwiches on weekends. To make the sandwiches soft enough to cut with a fork, Red introduced the technique of immersing the roast beef in gravy and "Red Wells Famous Roast Beef" was born.
Red also played professional football with the powerful Toledo Maroons. A little-known (and true) fact is that the Maroons were a part of the National Football League! Yes, Toledo had an NFL team for a short time. Red was a popular fullback and defensive back on the team.
Though we have taken some liberties with Red's story, we hope it honors him and his contributions to Toledo history. All of our dinner theater meals will include Red Wells Famous Roast Beef Sandwiches.