Chef Harold R. Christensen was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He became interested in cooking while working at the Green Bay Packers training-camp cafeteria. Harry’s culinary skills improved with experience as the sous chef at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City and chef positions at Far Horizons Resort and Café L’Europe in Florida. Back in Longboat Key, in February 1979 the Christensens leased a building to house their Continental Kitchen. The hardworking couple made delicious takeout dinners, as well as scrumptious sandwiches for lunch. The customers, who didn’t want to take their sandwiches too far before devouring them, were grateful for the umbrella tables in the park-like setting outside.