History

OUR STORY

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 100 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 “drys” 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, hatcheck 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 December 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 our Renowned Chef, William Salcedo 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.