Carson City’s Cracker Box celebrates 35 years

A Cracker Box commemoration of 35 years in business attracted dignitaries Friday as breakfast patrons at the Carson City restaurant enjoyed breakfast and watched.

Mayor Robert Crowell and the city’s four supervisors, as well as a representative of Congressman Mark Amodei, were on hand for the celebration. Proclamations and the like abounded, with the mayor reading a certificate recognizing the achievement. He said the Cracker Box and Jerry Massad, the owner, had forged a restaurant reputation that made the location at 403 W. William St. “world renowned and one-of-a-kind.”

“I’m really happy,” said Massad, “that I settled in Carson City. The town has been really wonderful to me and my employees for 35 years.”

Bob Gastonguay, an Amodei spokesman, said the Carson City man representing Northern Nevada in the U.S. House is “a regular here” and read Amodei’s good wishes as well. In addition, the Cracker Box was recognized in a proclamation that came from Gov. Brian Sandoval, which labeled it a restaurant with a “stellar reputation.”

Cracker Box workers said Sandoval breakfasts there on occasion, enjoying a green chili omelette. The city’s mayor and four supervisors also shared what is their favorite fare at the restaurant.

The mayor enjoys steak and eggs, with the former medium rare, along with hash browns and water. He said his wife, Susan, enjoys the fine fresh-squeezed orange juice along with what she orders.

Supervisor Jim Shirk likes bacon and eggs, Supervisor Lori Bagwell chooses a BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) repast, and Supervisor Brad Bonkowski goes for the blueberry pancakes. Supervisor Karen Abowd, in the restaurant business herself, enjoys the Joe’s Special minus the eggs when she partakes of food at the Cracker Box.

The “Box” opened on May 10, 1980, so this entire weekend is the celebration. It includes an opportunity today and Sunday for patrons to enter a celebratory raffle. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week and is open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. The place is still cozy, yet handles more patrons at one time than was the case when it originally opened with seating for just 24 customers.