Ernie's Texas Lunch

The Kranias family has owned a Texas Lunch on Gettysburg’s Chambersburg Street for 100 years. I had the opportunity today to sit down with third-generation owne...r, Ernie Kranias. In the March/April edition of Gettysburg Companion, you will learn the story of what is now Ernie's Texas Lunch. In the meantime, for fun let’s figure out who knows the answers to the following questions: 1. What was the address of the 1921 Texas Hot Weenies? 2. What year did Ernie start working at what was then his father, Charlie’s, restaurant? 3. What was the name of the Gettysburg meat market where Linda Shriner worked when she met Ernie? Linda eventually married Ernie, became Linda Kranias and was a fixture at Ernie’s almost as much as Ernie until she passed away in 2014. (Photo by Darryl Wheeler/Gettysburg Times)

Two weeks ago I posted announcing the 100th anniversary of Ernie’s Texas Lunch. I was touched and overwhelmed by the number of comments about our little diner. I am working on a history/photo book for the occasion. So many of your thoughts and stories about Ernie’s / Charlie’s / Ernie’s brought back long forgotten memories. I would love to include stories from you in my project. If you have a memory of the restaurant, please email it to me, I want to share as many as I can. [email protected] Thanks for your time, and your continued support.

In the fall of 1921, my grandfather, Ernie Kranias opened Texas Hot Weenies at 55 Chambersburg St. 60 years later, on Jan. 2, 1981, I unlocked the front door of The Texas Lunch for the first time as owner. (we changed the name to Ernie’s in the early 90’s) This past year has delayed some of our anniversary plans, but we will be celebrating later this year. Thanks to my staff, and to the people of Gettysburg. One Century, One Family. None of it would have been possible without you.