Shorty's Lunch: A Legacy of Resilience in Washington, Pennsylvania
In the heart of downtown Washington, Pennsylvania, stands a culinary landmark that represents more than just great food; it is a symbol of community defiance and historical preservation. Shorty's Lunch has served generations of locals, maintaining an atmosphere that transports visitors back to the early 20th century while surviving the pressures of modern urban redevelopment.
The Founding and Early Years
The story of Shorty's Lunch begins with George Contorakes. From 1924 to 1932, Contorakes operated a business called Everybody's Lunch on West Chestnut Street. In 1932, he expanded his footprint by purchasing the Try Me Lunch located at 34 West Chestnut Street. He renamed the establishment Shorty's Lunch, a nod to his own nickname and his height of 5 feet 4 inches.
The business grew through strategic partnerships and family ties. In 1938, Peter Alexas joined Contorakes as a partner. Ownership also extended to John G. Contorakes, a Washington native and alumnus of the nearby Washington & Jefferson College, who remained involved until his passing in 2001.
In its early days, Shorty's was a beacon of accessibility, operating 24 hours a day. Remarkably, during its first decade, the establishment operated without locks on its doors. This open-door policy eventually shifted during World War II, when labor shortages forced the diner to reduce its operating hours.
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Preserving the Original Atmosphere
One of the most striking aspects of Shorty's Lunch is its commitment to authenticity. The interior structure and decor have remained largely unchanged since the original construction. This includes the eight original booths, which were purchased as used furniture during the 1930s, providing a tangible link to the diner's origins.
The Battle Against Urban Redevelopment
The stability of Shorty's was threatened in 2003 by the Crossroads Project. This ambitious $100 million redevelopment effort in downtown Washington was spearheaded by the Washington Redevelopment Authority and developer Millcraft Industries. The project aimed to transform several blocks deemed "blighted" into a private business hub featuring lofts, apartments for Washington & Jefferson College students, a 1,200-space parking garage, and retail outlets similar to Grove City Premium Outlets.
To achieve this vision, the developers intended to use eminent domain—the legal power of a government to take private property for public use, provided just compensation is paid. This would have resulted in the demolition of the building housing the original Shorty's location at 34 Chestnut Street.
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A Community Stands Together
Despite offers from Millcraft Industries to cover moving costs, the Alexas family refused to vacate. Their resolve sparked a massive community response. A petition to save the diner garnered 23,860 signatures—a staggering figure considering the city's population was only 16,000 at the time. With the support of local officials, including the mayor, the effort to save Shorty's became a catalyst for other small business owners, such as those at Shelley's Pike Inn in Houston, Pennsylvania.
While the plans to raze the building eventually stalled, the Alexas family took proactive steps to ensure the brand's survival. To protect against future redevelopment threats, they expanded through franchising, opening new locations in the Southpointe Shopping Plaza, downtown Canonsburg, and Franklin Township.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1932 (renamed from Try Me Lunch).
- Founder: George Contorakes.
- Original Location: 34 West Chestnut Street, Washington, PA.
- Historic Feature: Eight original booths from the 1930s.
- Community Support: 23,860 signatures collected to prevent demolition.
- Redevelopment Threat: The $100 million Crossroads Project.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Owner | George Contorakes |
| Key Partners | Peter Alexas, John G. Contorakes |
| Early Hours | 24 hours/day (initially without locks) |
| Threatening Project | Crossroads Project (Millcraft Industries) |
| Expansion Areas | Southpointe, Canonsburg, Franklin Township |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the diner named Shorty's Lunch?
The diner was named in honor of its owner, George Contorakes, who went by the nickname "Shorty" and stood 5 feet 4 inches tall.
What was the Crossroads Project?
The Crossroads Project was a proposed $100 million redevelopment plan in downtown Washington, PA, intended to build lofts, apartments, a parking garage, and retail outlets through the use of eminent domain.
How did the community help save Shorty's Lunch?
The community showed overwhelming support by signing a petition with 23,860 signatures, which significantly exceeded the city's population of 16,000.
Does the original interior still exist?
Yes, the interior decor and structure remain relatively unchanged, including eight original booths purchased in the 1930s.
Where can you find Shorty's Lunch today besides the original location?
To protect the business from future redevelopment, the Alexas family expanded via franchising into Franklin Township, downtown Canonsburg, and the Southpointe Shopping Plaza.