It has been as much a staple of the community as of the diet.
Now, after more than 60 years, Hartner's Restaurant on Route 19 in Cranberry will shutter its windows in the coming weeks.
The Thursday prime rib special? No more.
The "best fish in town" sandwich? Sunk.
The delectable pastries? Finis.
The last day of business hasn't been announced, but the eatery's 30 or so employees are expecting it will be soon.
The way is being cleared for Walgreens persistent march on this region. As the Illinois-based drug store chain entrenches itself in Western Pennsylvania in locales including Adams, Ross, Scott and North Huntingdon, it is fixing its eyes on Cranberry.
David Lucci, a landscape architect with Victor Wetzel Associates in Sewickley, said the company expects to be building this fall with an April opening date.
Cranberry supervisors reviewed and approved plans June 28 for the 13,050-square-foot single-story pharmacy with a drive-through window.
The Walgreens development will bring with it traffic improvementincluding an aligned intersection from the new Hartner's Drive with the Bud's Suds entrance off Dutilh Road behind Hartner's to the west of the restaurant. Mr. Lucci said sidewalks will surround the site and landscaping will be done at its borders.
A rental home on the 2-acre site behind the restaurant and a sweat shirt shop, The Sweat Shop, also will be razed.
Despite its age and ever-persistent competition from chain restaurants, Hartner's has continued to thrive. A recent lunchtime visit testified to the restaurant's popularity as businessmen gathered at one table, women toting shopping bags at another, a mom and her children at another.
"It's one of the few places in town where you can hear yourself talk. So many places are so loud. You can have a conversation there,'' said Cranberry Manager Jerry Andree, a steady patron.
Boasting a logo "Where friends meet friends," the restaurant has been a popular night spot in addition to offering the traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
Established in 1946 by Eddie and Frances Hartner, it was passed down to daughter-in-law Amelia Baker Hartner, who now is 87 years old and ready to retire.
The building has been a go-to spot for more than just food over the years. St. Ferdinand Church, which now has about 10,000 members, got its start as a parish by meeting in the Hartner building.
"Nothing against Walgreens, but Hartner's is such a part of the history of Cranberry. It's hard to see that go,'' said Cranberry Supervisor Dick Hadley.
As of May, Walgreens owned 5,751 drugstores in 48 states and Puerto Rico.
First Published: July 6, 2007, 10:45 a.m.
