The grills are hot, the line is long, and the only thing moving faster than this lunch rush is the Texas Wieners.
At Green Ridge News Mini Mart and Grill in Scranton, customers have been coming for generations.
“78 years. They’ve been here for so long. I always come here,” said Bob Seliga, Scranton.
The popular lunch spot sells thousands of Texas wieners every Thursday for $1.50.
But this week’s mission is even bigger than the laundry list of orders stacking up.
“I think Saint Joe’s brought in a little more today, but the line is usually pretty big here,” said Mary Ross, Olyphant.
This lunch rush is lending a helping hand to Go Joe 29 as $1 from every dog will benefit Saint Joseph’s Center.
“These guys are saints, so every year we try to show up for them,” said Joshua Aviles, Green Ridge News Mini Mart and Grill.
It’s a well-oiled machine in the kitchen as they work to fill dozens of call-ahead orders.
While others waited in the line that nearly stretched out the door.
“I hesitate coming here on Weiner Day because the line is usually out the door. They do a great business. They do a great business, and they’re great people down here,” said Seliga.
For some here, this mission is personal, even Sister Mary Alice dropping by.
For others like Amanda Strickland, she’s supporting her mom and sister, who are nurses with Saint Joseph’s Center. “Just taking care of everybody, and it’s a beautiful thing. They’re both very strong people, and I admire them for that.”
It’s a recipe that goes far beyond this counter: neighbors helping neighbors.
Something that’s become tradition in this shop.
“It’s the family environment, family-owned and ran for roughly 40 years. They have the same clientele day in and day out. It’s pretty iconic, I’d say,” said Aviles.
Workers say they’re hoping to beat their record, on track to sell nearly 4,000 wieners by the time the grills cool down.