A familiar face is taking over a landmark Palmerton eatery.

Bert’s Steakhouse & Restaurant, at 416 Delaware Ave., has been an institution in the heart of the borough’s downtown since 1957.

Jeff Minnich Sr., who will take over the business on Feb. 1, has returned to his roots after a nine-year stint in Miami, Florida.

“I loved the weather and the experience, got to meet many different cultures of people,” Minnich said. “It made me a better person.”

Minnich, who is originally from Palmerton, said he was essentially coaxed into returning to his hometown by his children.

“My family begged me to come back to Carbon County,” he said. “Two of my three kids still live in Carbon County.”

After giving it plenty of thought, Minnich made the decision to take over the business where he worked decades earlier.

“I thought how nostalgic and sentimental would it be for me to come back to where I started my career,” he said. “So here we are in the community I raised my family in.”

Minnich started his career under the late Bert Csensits, who founded the restaurant in 1957. Minnich worked there in the late ’60s and early ’70s, washing dishes, as a short-order cook, and on salad preparation.

For those who were fortunate enough to know Csensits, Minnich said he was a true gem of a person.

“Bert was loved by the customers, and he loved them, and that’s what made the place legendary,” he said. “Nothing would be here if not for Bert.”

From there, Minnich embarked on a 10-year career with a restaurant business in the Walnutport area, and later a career in sales and marketing in the restaurant industry,

Of course, a restaurant is only as good as its food, and Bert’s is known for several good eats.

Minnich touted its legendary cheesesteaks, which he classified as “Carbon County Hall of Fame” worthy, not to mention its fresh cut, never frozen French fries.

Other top sellers include hot roast beef sandwiches, baked haddock, crab patties, homemade pierogies (from a local church) and homemade desserts,

But, make no mistake about it; Its all-day breakfast is the restaurant’s true calling card and top seller.

For health-conscious customers, there are veggie burgers (gluten free) on the menu. Several new items on the way are avocado toast, and flaxseed pancakes for the gluten free, vegetarian and vegan crowd.

Along with its three dining rooms, another feature is its BYOB policy.

“We’re one of the few establishments in town that doesn’t have alcohol,” he said. “We feel it’s unique and advantageous because of the opportunity for our customers to save money on alcohol.”

Minnich said he’s proud of his staff of about a dozen employees, many of whom have many decades of experience with the business.

They include Jackie Costenbader, who has owned the business for the past six years, and will remain on as operations manager.

Costenbader, along with kitchen manager Chris Schoch, have each worked there for 21 years, while front office house manager Cheyenne Tilley has been there for nearly 10 years. Doris Wanamaker, utility person/dishwasher in the kitchen, has also been employed for nearly 40 years.

Ultimately, Minnich said owning the business where he first learned the ropes at was an opportunity too good to pass up.

“I know so many people from the community, it feels like home,” he said. “I just feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be here and serve the community.”

Minnich said the business also hosts parties and various other functions, and encouraged customers to allow them to enjoy their culinary experience.

Bert’s Restaurant & Steakhouse is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday; and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours are all potentially subject to change.

For more information, call 610-826-9921, or follow the eatery on Facebook and Instagram.