‘We were the last diner in the downtown:’ S&W owners reflect on 68-year run

WILKES-BARRE — After 68 years in business, the S&W Restaurant on North Main Street has closed and will soon be listed for sale.

Ernie Schmid Jr. co-owner of the iconic downtown diner with his brother Joe, said the restaurant closed Thursday because the business license with Wilkes-Barre City had expired and they decided now was the time to lock the doors.

“We had come to this decision prior to the pandemic,” Schmid said. “We felt this was the year to think about closing and selling, then the pandemic hit and that made up our minds.”

Schmid said he expects to hire a real estate agent to list the business and building by the end of May.

“We were the last diner in the downtown,” Schmid said. “It’s the end of an era.”

Opened in 1952

Ernie and Joe’s grandfather, Lorenzo, opened S&W in 1952 across the street from the current location and where the King’s College gymnasium now sits. The business was called Larry’s Lunch at 154 North Main St. It moved to the current location at 147-149 North Main St. in 1966.

Besides housing the restaurant, the property has 12 apartments, many rented to King’s College students.

Reports were circulating that King’s College was interested in purchasing the S&W property, but Schmid dismissed that report.

“We have not talked to anyone from King’s College,” Schmid said. “We haven’t even listed the property yet. When we do, we will see who will be interested.”

S&W was always known for its fast, friendly, breakfast, lunch, and dinners fresh and cooked to order, including homemade soups.

The Schmid brothers have owned the restaurant for 20 years and they have each worked there for most of their lives — Joe for 41 years and Ernie Jr. for 38 years.

Joseph Schmid, 51, lives in Dallas, and Ernie Schmid Jr., 49, lives in Swoyersville.

“We’ve been there for most of our lives,” Ernie said.

Schmid said the S&W was selling take-out orders, but he said they lost 90 percent of their business when the shutdown order was issued.

Add to that the loss of revenue when college students moved out because of the school being closed and Schmid said it was difficult to stay open.

Ernie Jr. and Joe have three siblings: Lisa, Dallas; Lawrence, Tennessee; and Peter, Dallas.

A Facebook farewell

The Schmids posted their farewell message on the restaurant’s Facebook site:

“As many of you have heard, you’ve already eaten your last S&W meal. We had been talking about closing since last year. The current COVID regulations definitely helped in the decision.

“It is the end of a 68-year journey for the Schmid and Wilcox families’ business. Beginning with our grandfather “Pop” Lorenzo Schmid as “Larry’s Lunch” in 1952, the S&W Restaurant was launched in 1966 by our father Ernie Schmid Sr., and our Uncle Carl Wilcox — 24 Hours a day, day in and day out!

“Starting as dishwashers at 9 and 10 years old, we have been working here for 41 years (Joe), and 38 years (Ernie). We purchased the business 19 years ago today. We always did our very best to serve you, and your response, from the huge weekend crowds to the many faithful everyday customers, has been humbling and overwhelming at the same time.

“At this time we would like to thank you, your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and even great-great grandparents for your patronage through seven decades.

“We would also like to express gratitude to every single employee that helped us over the years. We could not have done it without you!

“The restaurant and buildings will be listed for sale in the coming months. May God bless all of you and your families. We thank you all!!!”

— Ernie and Joe Schmid