In 1946, Sebastian Ninfo, born August 17, 1899, in Italy, who immigrated to America in 1916, purchased the property at 401 North 10th Street in Reading, Pennsylvania, and later opened the Stardust Luncheonette. The restaurant quickly became a neighborhood favorite, drawing long lines—especially on Sunday nights—for its renowned sandwiches. Locals raved about the cheesesteaks with perfectly sautéed onions, topped with sauce, and pickles, while the unforgettable fries provided the perfect complement.
Below: Stardust Luncheonette, 401 North 10th Street.
The Stardust Luncheonette thrived for decades, but by 1977, it had closed, marking the end of an era for Sebastian’s beloved establishment. However, his son, Augie Ninfo Sr., born July 16, 1925, was already carrying on the family’s sandwich-making tradition.
Augie Sr. learned the craft alongside his father at Stardust before setting out on his own. In 1960, he opened Augie’s Original Sandwich Shop at 555 North 10th Streets. Augie Sr. shared his journey with his wife, Stella, born December 14, 1926, who was a steadfast partner in both family and business.
Over the years, the shop relocated several times. From 1960 to 1963, it operated at its original location before moving to 1201 North 10th Street, where it remained until 1974.
Below: Augie’s Original Sandwich Shop, 1201 North 10th Street.
A brief hiatus followed due to a health condition that temporarily sidelined Augie Sr. In 1977, he reopened the shop at 9th and Perry, and in 1985, he moved it to 1146 Rockland Street in the Rockland Shopping Plaza. This location, which opened on April 30, 1985, marked a new chapter as his son, Augustus—born November 3, 1953, and also known as Augie—took over the business.
Below: Augie’s Original Sandwich Shop, 1146 Rockland Street.
Below: Augie Sr. and Stella (left) and Augustus (right).
Augie Sr. and his wife, Stella, continued working at the Rockland Plaza location, serving their loyal customers. After Augie Sr.’s passing on February 22, 1990, Stella remained involved until her passing on December 11, 2017.
Despite its rich history and devoted following, the business faced challenges in later years, and by 2003, the Rockland Street location closed, bringing an end to the era of Augie’s Original Sandwich Shops. Augustus S. Ninfo passed away on July 28, 2024.
Augie’s Original Sandwich Shops may have closed their doors, but the legacy of the Ninfo family’s dedication to quality and tradition lives on in the memories of those who gathered around their tables. Though the shop is gone, the stories, flavors, and warmth shared within its walls remain woven into Reading’s history, ensuring that the Ninfo family’s impact will never be forgotten.
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