Charlie Doe who opened the first Ninety Nine Restaurant in 1952 and pioneered the casual dining concept long before the model was adopted by other nation chains has died. He was 79. 

Charlie Doe opened the doors of his first Ninety Nine Restaurant in 1952 at 99 State Street in Boston.  On opening day, Doe’s wife Shirley presented him with a horseshoe for good luck and he hung it underneath the 99 numerals on the brick façade, “to hold the good luck in.” This would become one of New England’s more familiar foodservice logos.

Throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s the Ninety Nines grew from downtown Boston then shifted to the suburbs. Charlie was a true visionary in his concept, design and menu.  The Ninety Nine provided great food and drink at reasonable prices and the customers responded over the next several decades, he operated the restaurant chain under a simple mission statement of “We treat people right.” 

Charlie’s involvement with charities and giving back to the local communities was endless throughout his life. He gave of his time and support to the Habitat for Humanity in Florida, Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, Education Foundation at Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of New England and Shelters in New Hampshire and Connecticut.

He loved making a difference in the lives of people who were less fortunate.  He was proud of a long standing relationship with Pine Street Inn, the largest homeless shelter in New England.  Charlie was very generous with his time and support over the last 25 years.  The Ninety Nine team members continue to volunteer to feed the guest of the Inn each month.

Charlie Doe’s values of treating people right and giving back to those less fortunate still live in the culture of the Ninety Nines, friends and families. He had a huge heart and truly loved giving to others.  He loved seeing people grow and better their lives. It is not only his achievements in business that live on in his family but how he lived his life with strong morals, ethics and value in running life.