Still cooking at Ernie’s . . .
The iconic Ernie’s Coffee Shop, which has been serving huge portions to hungry patrons in the Sault’s downtown since 1971, will soon have a new chief cook and bottle washer.
John Armstrong is returning home to the Sault to take over operation of Ernie’s from the Febbraro family. The 25-year old Armstrong previously operated a restaurant in Toronto.
Along with his wife, Judy, Ernie Febbraro opened the cozy little restaurant — which is located at 13 Queen St. E. — almost 50 years ago.
Their son, Chuck, and his wife, Donna, checked into Ernie’s as young employees in the mid 1970s and have worked there ever since.
Armstrong, the new owner, plans on keeping the name, the hours of operation, and the same home-cooked food that have helped give Ernie’s the legendary status that it enjoys.
And the old Ernie’s Coffee Shop sign that hangs outside the restaurant will also remain in place.
The Febbraro family will officially turn Ernie’s over to Armstrong at the end of this month.
