Reading's Iconic Peanut Bar: A Century of History and Memories
Reading, Pa. - It's the end of an era for a landmark restaurant in downtown Reading. The same family has owned the Peanut Bar, currently located at 332 Penn St., for more than a century. "March will be 103 years," said Michael Leifer, the third-generation owner.
Leifer has never known a life without the Peanut Bar. His grandfather started the business under a different name in Wernersville in 1924 during the days of prohibition. He moved the business around a bit until settling on Penn Street in 1933.
"I've been very fortunate to be here working in the business now for probably about 58 years, from the time that I was very, very young," said Leifer. He said it's been an honor to run the iconic bar and restaurant all these years, but now it's time to step away, in part because of his health as he continues to get older.
Leifer made the bittersweet decision to put the Peanut Bar up for sale for $950,000. "We've got quite a bit of real estate involved in the building, our liquor license, all that type thing," says Leifer. "We'd like to see it remain intact as a restaurant and hopefully as the Peanut Bar just under somebody else's stewardship."
Loyal patrons share that sentiment. "The very first encounter that I can vividly remember is going in for St. Patrick's Day in 1973," said Rudy Schmehl, who has been a loyal patron for decades. The Schmehl family made it their spot and many of their special moments took place there. Schmehl said he keeps coming back because of "the friendliness of the staff, the continuity of the good food [and] the hugs."
Leifer said he hopes to be at the bar through April, which is when he plans to retire. In the next several months, the bar will host a number of special events, including a prohibition-era New Year's Party, a St. Patty's Day celebration, a Jazz Fest luncheon, reunions, and more.
"We so very much appreciate not only our staff, which I can't say enough wonderful things about them, [but also] the people of Berks County and other areas also who have been so supportive of us over these years,” Leifer says. "My family thanks you beyond measure."