Werner's Serves Its Last Meal After Decades Of Service
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A downtown institution closed its doors Friday after more than six decades of service.
Mary Bubala reports Werner's was a favorite breakfast and lunch spot for many, but tough economic times took a toll on this classic restaurant.
Werner's opened on Redwood Street in downtown Baltimore in 1950. But after 60 years of service, the iconic breakfast and lunch spot is closing.
"I am devastated. I can't believe they are closing. They are a tradition. They do everything the old way," said Cynthia Knox, customer.
It's also loved by filmmakers. Scenes from the movie "Tin Men" with Richard Dreyfuss and Danny DeVito were filmed at Werner's and Baltimore's own Barry Levinson transformed it for his movie "Liberty Heights."
The restaurant is known for its sandwiches and its homestyle cooking. The art deco decor is original.
On the final day, Werner's was packed with loyal customers coming for one last meal.
"It's like Cheers where everyone knows your name. They know exactly what I want when I call. They all know my name. They are all friendly," said Amy Patton, customer.
With a proclamation from the Mayor's Office, a former Werner's waitress sat down with WJZ to reminisce.
"We like to give people a break in their work day. I felt like it was kind of doing a service in Baltimore to come in, take a load off. I don't know what's happening for you at work, but if you come in here I am going to try to make you smile or give me a begrudging grin of some sort," said Misty Letts, former waitress.
The staff at Werner's only learned that it was closing this week. Many of the employees are unsure of what they will do.
Werner's was on many architectural tours of Baltimore.
