During the Depression, Clinton kept thousands from starving by serving those who couldn’t afford to pay. His five course dinner or MPM (Multiple Purpose Meal) was purported to be a completely balanced, nutritional five cent meal. It consisted of bread, soup, salad, jello and coffee. There was plenty of more indulgent food offered also. Patrons received free sherbet and "Green Water Drinks" (limeade).

Clinton's "Pay What You Wish – Dine Free unless Delighted" policy made his establishments unique. Most folks did pay the full bill. But what really set this restaurant apart was the décor. The exterior waterfall façade had geysers, tropical foliage and was illuminated at night. The interior was a Polynesian palace with neon and waterfalls. The Rain Hut in the Mezzanine Dining Room had a rain shower every 20 minutes which trickled into a brook. There was a lei and flower shop, a book shop, entertainment and organ music, and a roaming photographer. There was an exchange board where guests listed offerings and wants. An advisor ("Mrs. Yon") was available for guests with personal problems. There was also The Garden of Meditation.

Clinton opened a location in Lakewood, CA in 1956 at the Lakewood Mall. It appears this was not a theme restaurant. In 1958, a location in West Covina was opened. This was replaced with another West Covina location, The Greenery, at a different spot in 1978. Clifton's Silver Spoon operated in downtown L.A. from 1975-1997. These locations are all closed now, making the Brookdale the sole survivor of the chain. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4.