Squeeze In celebrates 79th anniversary

Sunbury, Pa. — People from all across the region lined up on Market St. in Sunbury yesterday to celebrate the 79th anniversary of The Squeeze In, a local eatery that's been serving hot dogs since 1945 — the same year that Harry S. Truman took office and World War II came to a close.

In honor of their 79th year in business, the Squeeze In planned a three day long celebration that kicked off yesterday, May 1, with free hot dogs for the first 500 people. By the starting time of 4 p.m., a line of over 50 people had already formed outside the restaurant.

In line, Mike Leonard, of Coal Township, joked that he may be the Squeeze In's biggest fan and said he'd been going there for over 30 years. "It's a piece of history, a childhood memory, and it's affordable," Leonard said.

The simplistic menu is affordable: a hot dog is just $2.50 with a choice of toppings. The priciest option, at $4.50, is the Squeeze Dog, which comes topped with mustard, ketchup, onion, relish, sweet and hot chili, sauerkraut, and baked beans.

The hot dogs are simple, but delicious; a fact to which many in the line yesterday happily testified. Yet, it's the Squeeze In's secret ingredient that makes their flavor hit just a bit different: nostalgia.

From the neon sign hanging above the the serving window, to the small size of the aptly named restaurant, the Squeeze In has retained it's mid-century diner charm. Even the cartoonish graphics of the logo — an animated hot dog walking in step with a sauce bottle — harken back to simpler days filled with good food and good company.

Although the staff may not be wearing roller skates, they create a friendly, fast-paced environment that many modern restaurants have lost in the switch to automated ordering and self-pay checkouts.

But, it's not just aesthetics that gives the Squeeze In it's unique nostalgic flair — it's also their continued involvement and support of the local community.

As part of their 79th anniversary celebration, in partnership with local sponsors, the Squeeze In offered a free hot dog to all EMS personnel with a valid ID on Thursday, May 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. and, ON Friday May 3, all teachers and staff members at local schools and education facilities can receive a free hot dog from 5 to 8 p.m. with a valid ID.

What will the future hold for the Sunbury staple? "I wish them another 79 years of business," said Mike Leonard. If the past is any indicator of the future, Leonard's wish for the Squeeze In has a good chance of coming true.