Kitty’s Luncheonette staff, from left: Marissa, Mike, John, jen and Roger. Not pictured: Adrienne, Anthony, Jude, and Kitty. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Kitty’s Luncheonette, located at 2721 E. Somerset St., is celebrating 60 years as a family business. The restaurant was started by John “Ratz,” Yanete and his wife, Katherine “Kitty” Yanete in 1953, and is now run by son John Yanete.
John Yanete said on the phone Thursday that he thinks the restaurant has survived for so long in the neighborhood because people enjoy the homey feel of the place.
“This is an icon in the neighborhood. I see generations of kids growing up here, and they sort of inherit the status of coming in here,” Yanete said. “I like the people here, I always have. I’ve known people since they were teenagers that are now in their late-40s.”
Yanete continued, “The old-timers will come in and see all the pictures on the wall and tell stories about people. It’s a very unique thing, I think. I don’t know if there’s any other place like it.” ••
