GIRARDVILLE -- Before she stood behind the counter of Tony's Lunch serving its famous "Screamers" Bernie Chupasko helped clean the restaurant. It was her family's business and she started helping around the age of 12.
Monday evening, after 59 years, Bernie retired from the local landmark, but not without a celebration in Schuylkill County.
When Newswatch 16 stopped by the guest of honor was hard at work, the place packed with people and decked out in balloons.
There was even a special cake made in the shape of a hamburger.
Bernie says she started working at Tony's when she was around 12. At that point, the restaurant was owned by her uncle. It opened in the '40s before World War II, and Bernie recalls that the women of her family worked while the men were serving.
"Work is the best thing you do, when you are working, you feel better and you live longer," Chupasko said.
40 years ago Chupasko's family sold the restaurant and she told the new owner she would stay a month. But the months turned into years, and the years into decades.
"She is just so nice to everybody, and everybody likes the way she makes the burgers," adding," She will really be missed," owner Claire Salukas said.
Oh, and about those screamers: they have butter, onions, and hot sauce on a nice round patty. Marshmallow fluff is optional.