“Three all the way and a coffee milk.”
If you live in Rhode Island, you’ve probably heard this refrain, or even spoken it yourself a time or two, at some point in your life.
Hot weiners are a much-beloved comfort food in our state, and because they are as ubiquitous as they are delicious, some people might take them for granted. Until they’re not around anymore. That’s what happened when Wein-O-Rama in Cranston closed its doors last summer, after being in operation for sixty-two years.
The long-standing restaurant was founded in 1962, by Mike Sotirakos, before his sons George and Ernie took over after his retirement, thirty years ago. Then, in August of last year, the brothers decided to hang up their aprons for good, and just like that a staple in the community was gone. But not for long.
Cranston’s Wein-O-Rama is back in business thanks to Eric Beaune and Chris Tasca, two Rhode Island businessmen who not only have a soft spot for the six-decade old Cranston landmark but a great business sense. Beaune, owner of Garden Hills Fruit and Deli, and Chris Tasca, president and co-founder of Fly Alliance, a private aviation group that provides luxury jet charters and other aviation services, regarded their endeavor to reopen Wein-O-Rama as a ‘legacy project.’
The reopening day was May 13, and at 6 AM that morning there was a crowd outside waiting to come in and be among the first to be served. All day, the people never stopped coming, with the parking lot packed through the lunch hour. It’s been pretty much like that every day since.
“I’m really thankful that I got the opportunity to do this for the community,” co-owner Chris Tasca told the media the day of the reopening. “This is a really special place to me. It’s evident that it’s a really special place to Cranston.”
The owners have said that renovations were made to the kitchen and dining room, including new booths, but the feel will remain exactly the same as it has always been.
In keeping with the if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it creed, along with a lot of the former staff being rehired, there are no plans to change anything on the menu that their diners have come to love over the years, including the formula that has made their hot weiners such a local favorite.
If you’ve never had a ‘gagger’ at Wein-O-Rama, now is your chance. If you have had the taste sensation, you know where to go. Wein-O-Rama is located at 1009 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston.
Wein-O-Rama is more than just a hot weiner joint. They offer a full menu with all the traditional breakfast and lunch fare, available for dining in or taking out. Their fish-and-chips are also a big house favorite.
They are closed Mondays, open Tuesday to Thursday 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM (Starting June 15th). For take out call 401-943-4990. Visit Wein-O-Rama at 1009 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston.
