Harry Sirinakis
by Kym Byrnes
Harry Sirinakis, of Harry’s Main Street Grille announced his plans to retire this summer after 30 years at the helm of the well-known local eatery in downtown Westminster.
“Thirty years ago I began a wonderful and fulfilling journey as I put my footprint on this business…. it’s time for someone else to do the same,” Sirinakis said.
Anyone who grew up in Westminster or who frequents the area likely has a menu favorite. Check out what these locals have to say about their favorite Harry’s food or memory.
“My favorite memory of Harry’s is the exorbitant price tag for adding sauerkraut to a hot dog. I can’t remember the exact figure, but it is well over $50. I was having lunch at Harry’s a couple years ago with Senator Jim Robey and Chief Wayne Livesay and Jim asked for sauerkraut on his dog. The waitress was quite clear that sauerkraut was impermissible at Harry’s (regardless of the pricy reference in the menu), despite Senator Robey’s dogged insistence. In the end, he had his dog without sauerkraut. Harry’s has been a staple in town for many years. You always knew that you could get a great meal at a reasonable price there.” – Jeff Spaulding, Westminster Police Chief
“Harry’s family restaurant is part of the legend and mystique of growing up in a small town. I am going to miss the Harry’s hot dogs – that is, in the proper vernacular, ‘one with everything.’ I grew up in Westminster and Harry’s Lunch, then Harry’s Main Street Grille, was considered a key and critical infrastructure in town – right up there with the lights and the water system.” – Kevin Dayhoff, former mayor of Westminster
“I knew all three generations of the family. I’ll remember the potato salad. It must have some family super-secret ingredient in it. It has a certain crunch. Maybe it is the celery or the onion. Maybe it is a secret.” – Caroline Babylon, a Westminster native
“Of course the obvious answer for many is the love of their coleslaw. It was on our table at every party and my wife would always say, ‘don’t forget to pick up the slaw at Harry’s.’ But as a lifelong resident, for me, Harry’s was also a little bit more. When we were growing up there weren’t near as many eating establishments in Westminster. It was a treat driving into town to Harry’s, where the smell of their cooking would hit you right out of the car. My order: 2 hotdogs with chili, onions, slaw, ketchup and mustard. That was good eating! Sad to see them leave but wish Harry and his family the best.” – Steve Wantz, Carroll County Commissioner
“It was great to have such a wonderful family oriented restaurant on Main Street. I will miss the ribs and hotdogs the most.” – Mona Becker, Westminster City Councilwoman
“I’ll miss having our Legislative Committee meetings over lunch at Harry’s every Monday while the state legislators are in session in Annapolis. This critical committee of 15 people represent the over 525 member businesses and Harry’s has been our weekly meeting place for a very long time. Harry’s will most definitely be missed.” – Mike McMullin, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce President
