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Jimmie Kramer, the child of Russian immigrants who came to America in the
early 1900's, father and grandfather of the present - day owners and
operators of The Peanut Bar, began his business over 83 years ago in the
resort community of South Mountain in Wernersville, PA. The year was 1924;
the era was Prohibition; and the establishment, which still stands today, was
known as The Green Terrace Hotel.
It is unclear just how long Jimmie operated at this or any other of the many
locations which his business occupied from 1924 'til he opened at 332 Penn Street
in 1933. It is certain however, that this colorful and enterprising young man
was continuously on the move during these years. The "dry's" would
raid, close his place down and quickly he would reopen at another location.
It is definitely known, for instance, that in the mid-twenties he owned and
operated a white tablecloth "speakeasy" on the north side of Penn
between 4th and 5th Streets. With its black onyx dance floor, hat check girls
in brief costumes and dance bands such as "Charlie Keller and His Hot
Shots", The Central Cafe must have been quite the rage.
With the repeal of Prohibition in August of 1933,
"Jimmie Kramer's" The Olde Central Cafe was legally born. Records
indicate that in March, 1934, the first legal liquor license was issued at
the 332 Penn Street
address.
And as for the peanuts….Jimmie introduced them in 1935, insisting his
customers toss the cracked shells on the floor; well, they became part of our
trademark.. In the same year, another event took place which was to change
forever the face of the business. Annie "Mom" Kramer arrived and
with her brought her pots and pans. Soon The Olde Central Cafe was serving
soups and hot platters along with such delicacies as lobster tails at 35 cents,
breaded haddock at 10 cents, and, of course, those much sought-after crab
cake platters at 25 cents.
Since those early days, two generations have followed. The daughters, Edie
and Beatie married, bringing their Beatie’s husband into the business. Under
Harold's (Beatie’s husband) able leadership, the now renamed Jimmie Kramer's
The Peanut Bar, grew and prospered. He brought retail experience and proper
accounting principles into play, thereby guiding the Peanut Bar into the mid
1950’s and paving the way for the third generation to join the
restaurant/bar.
Today under Michael's Leifer’s management, the restaurant thrives with new
marketing ideas and special events. The back of the house is led by Renowned
Chef James Lesniak and he and our talented kitchen staff prepare the best
combination of Annie’s tried and true, as well as, an ever-evolving, eclectic
cuisine.
Current News:
After much consideration, The Peanut Bar has decided to convert to a
restaurant wide no-smoking policy. As
you may know, this policy is law in many states and will most likely soon be
the case in Pennsylvania. The Peanut Bar has an 83 year tradition of
blazing trails in order to provide the finest and most enjoyable dining
experience for our customers, who are our top priority. Now, once again, it is time to examine
current information and change to a non-smoking environment. We are trusting all of our friends will
understand this decision and continue to join us in reliving old traditions
and making new memories.
Don’t worry..you can still throw the peanut
shells on the floor!
We’ve
been here for 83 years!
Why don’t you give Reading's
Dining Landmark a try??
Stop in and Crack open Some Fun
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