Ernie’s restaurant changing hands
After 34 years, Paul and Judy Bruso are selling Ernie’s.
The South Lake Tahoe restaurant on Emerald Bay Road has long been a favorite for locals and tourists.
Ernie’s first opened in 1968. It had a few owners until the 30-year-old Paul Bruso bought it in 1980. One of the biggest changes occurred in 2003 when the Brusos went from renting the building across the street to having a larger building constructed for Ernie’s.
Kent Baer and Nathan Bergner will be taking over Aug. 1.
“In the interim, Kent and Nathan will be employed by us as they learn all facets of the business. Judy and I as well as Kent and Nathan believe that this will ensure a smooth transition of ownership as well as a period of adjustment as they work and bond with our excellent employees,” Paul Brusso told Lake Tahoe News. “Judy and I have been extremely fortunate to own and operate Ernie’s for 34 years with the continuous support of our amazing Tahoe community.”
— Lake Tahoe News staff report
Remember when Frank’s at that location used to be the unofficial City Hall many years ago. Especially at breakfast.
Sure do remember Frank’s for breakfast, although I usually was at ‘my’ 1 person table at the very front of Ernies. Frank had some problems on how he ‘handled’ his waitresses…do you remember that..?
I met my wife at Frank’s where she was a waitress and totally out of my league and still is after 33 years.
A big congratulations to Kent and Nate! I hope they integrate some of the delicious beer they make. (Seriously, Nate is a whiz in the beer making department)
Bob Fleischer, I to recall something about Frank’s “handeling” of his female workers at his resturaunt. I think he was possibly taken to court. But can’t recall if he sat before a court or if he did, what the verdict was.
Ah yes, the good old days! OLS
Frank was a character and seemed a bit tipsy and on the sauce way too early in the morning. He seemed to be about eighty proof when most of us were trying to wake up with coffee to start the day. I am sure there are still plenty of people who know a few good stories of some strange things going on there behind the scenes. Ernie’s has been good as well and has always had consistent quality, Hope they keep the locals discount.
@Steve, I remember the low wall between the front and back dining areas at Frank’s. Two council members at a table on one side of the wall, two on the other. No quorum since they were at separate tables but a lot of city business conducted.
I remember Franks well. Yes, Ol Frank was a pickled person early in the morning like Justice says. We locals were trying to wake up and he was already slurring a word or two. He always treated us well. I hope the everlasting quality of Ernie’s remains under the new owners.
Paul is humble, a very professional person he is.
Oh for the good old days. Twenty degrees outside twenty foot berms in the parking lot. A full order of biscuits and gravy with a side of bacon, hot coffee and a cold beer before I cleared my driveway.
Paul and Judy: Thank you for all your warm hospitality and great food.Thank you for all the support you have given our community. I hope the burger night fundraisers continue under the new owners. Enjoy your retirement.
Janice and Perry I couldn’t agree more.
Paul has and will be one of the great people I’ve known in all my years in Tahoe.
From Ernies helping hands to watching his two sons amazing athletic careers, and playing over 40 basketball on the worst team in tahoe history Paul has been nothing short of a gentleman and an asset to our town for many years!
Good luck in the future, Puul & Judy. Advise the new owners to have my huevos ready at 6am each weekday morning!
Congratulations on your retirement, Paul and Judy. And congratulations also to Kent and Nate – two outstanding local guys. We’re happy to have you back in our community and wish you success in your new business venture.
Besides the hundreds of breakfasts we have enjoyed at Ernie’s at both locations, we really appreciate the time and money that went into the beautiful and Tahoe appropriate new restaurant.
Best wishes to Paul and Judy in their retirement and to Kent and Nathan in the future.
Paul and Judy…what can I say….you are just the very best….always have been and always will be. Love you both and wish you well as always.
Thanks for all that you have done for this community!!
Wow!! Congrats to Paul & Judy!! You so deserve every moment of rest and adventure. Big thanks for all the fund raisers and community support, have fun!!
Congratulations to Paul & Judy for running such a wonderful centerpiece in our community. I’m really looking forward to watching Kent & Nate take up the reins. I’m sure its in good hands with them!
Nate and Kent are amazing young professionals and I’m so glad they’re taking the plunge in this venture!! Looking forward to seeing what new things they bring to the table at Ernie’s.
Congratulations Paul and Judy !I don’t know of two people who deserve and have earned their retirement more than you two. You have worked hard and have been so generous to our community and you will be so missed. Les and I wish you all the best. Thank you for all the wonderful meals and friendship. Happy trails.
We will Miss you both. I also remember Franks but I can say Paul and Judy knew what they were doing. My husband Bill Cusac really liked Paul because he made bill feel very special with the stories of baseball when he umpired and coached. My bill was very sick at that time and Paul always made it awesome by remembering Bills and his love of sports. You guys are a dynamite couple, bless you always.
Every business should aspire to interlace itself within the fabric of a community. Few are fortunate to succeed. And even less achieve the level that Paul and Judy did.
Expressing thoughts how special and how appreciated! Wishing you both much happiness today and allways. How precious are the joys you’ve given time and time again! Thanks