CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — An iconic Rhode Island wiener joint closes its doors after 62 years.
Wein-O-Rama has served its last “three all the way.”
Co-owner George Sotirakos said their phone line was busy Tuesday, inside the iconic Cranston restaurant.
“Constantly, I think I got about 87 missed calls today,” said Sotirakos.
Most calls came from Wein-O-Rama customers, heartbroken over the restaurant’s closing.
Longtime customer Norma Golde said she has been coming to the restaurant all her life.
“I don’t know where I’m going to go when I want to cheat and have hot wieners and french fries because this was the best,” said Golde.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island’s Bobby Francis said the restaurant parking lot is full when they are open.
“I used to work over here at the Cranston donation center and I used to come over here and get food every morning,” said Francis.
“They knew my order. They were very nice people and I’m going to be sad to see them leave.”
Sotirakos said they have been thinking about closing for a while.
“It’s not something we planned to do right now, but due to health issues it was in my best interest to focus on them right now,” said Sotirakos.
They have sold well over 10 million of their original hot wieners since they opened in 1962.
Sotirakos’ dad rented the space from 1962 to 1971 before they officially bought the space, and Sotirakos and his brother took over.
But this summer, ironically after 62 years, they are closing their shop on Oaklawn Avenue.
Former Wein-O-Rama employee Timothy Walker worked there for the last four years.
“Everyone’s going to miss it,” said Walker.
“Some good wieners. Everyone’s going to miss it.”
Sotirakos has celebrated his daughters’ birthdays and other milestones at the restaurant.
Wein-O-Rama has adapted to the changes that come with time, like plexiglass installation between tables during COVID.
But some things have stuck, like their large sign outside the restaurant, a landmark in Cranston.”
“It used to say 15 cents in the middle, where it says 1962 now because everything on the menu was 15 cents when we opened,” said Sotirakos.
Some people stopped by Tuesday to take pictures before the sign and building are gone.
The property is already listed for sale under Cushman&Wakefield.
Sotirakos said he wishes success to whoever buys the property, regardless of the business.
He also thanks his community and staff for their support over the years.
“I just want to thank everybody,” said Sotirakos.
“It’s been a great run. I just enjoy serving everybody all of these years.”
As for their famous meat sauce, Sotirakos said it will either go to a possible buyer or the grave, with the business.