Klein's never underwent bankruptcy

To set the record straight, Klein's Restaurant never declared bankruptcy. Wherever this information came from, it is incorrect. We sold the property to Union National Bank in 1992 for its parking lot. We were required to demolish the building.

Attorney Harvey Robins facilitated the sale and made arrangements for our sign to be delivered to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and put in storage until the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center was completed. The bank had nothing to do with the sign. The sign, as displayed in the Heinz Center, is most appropriate; however, the lobster claw does not open and close as it did on the front of our building for many years.

Probably the most glaring inaccuracy of the article stems from the people who were interviewed. John Klein (son of Sidney Klein) was casually mentioned, but he was the real driving force in the success of the restaurant during the '60s and '70s with his wife, Ida, who recently passed away. She was a fixture at the front door for many years greeting our patrons, and John was on the floor seeing to everyone's eatery needs.

As for Ned Fine, my husband, he was brought on board in 1967 and worked at Klein's for 25 years until its sale in 1992. We were a team for the last 20 years of the restaurant.

Klein's was a fixture in the community for many years, and we believe its history should be reflected accurately. We have very fond memories of the city.

JoAnn (Klein) Fine
Delray Beach, Fla.

Anti-chain letter

Just wanted to say that your story on Klein's was great. It certainly reinforced my personal dislike of chain restaurants and their lack of quality, caring, or concern for their customers. Times have certainly changed.

Wish I had been alive to experience the wonderful old places your article mentions.

Jennifer Jones
Franklin Park

A lifetime of memories

Let me put my age and generation in context: I am 56. Joanne (Fine) Klein and Ned were acquaintances, and we all went to Allderdice. My maternal grandparents (I lived with them on Beacon Street in Squirrel Hill, where they died in their 90s) were close friends with Klein's founders.

Three of my maternal uncles were good friends with various Kleins, who often visited our home. I also remember the older Kleins (especially Mrs. Klein) coming to our house to visit with my grandparents. In fact, she stayed at our home during the Jewish High Holidays, so she could walk (and would not have to ride) to the synagogue.

This is so bizarre, but perhaps things (good and bad) do come in threes after all! I have no idea why the subject of Klein's wonderful garlic puffs came up in a conversation with my son and daughter-in-law. I told them that they would have loved them. A day or so after that conversation, I was with my mom, 91, and her brother, 85, and we were talking about their family dog, Tut. Mother always talks about Tut and for some reason, I asked my uncle if he knew where Tut came from. He said, "Of course! Sammy Klein gave Tut to Uncle Gigs!"

And then I open the paper and your wonderful article is there. It brought back so many memories. Growing up, I frequently went to Klein's for dinner and lunch (often with my lawyer uncle). I remember being treated as if I were a princess!

The Kleins' portraits hung in the restaurant. In the 1970s and until the restaurant closed, my husband and I went there frequently. I always would tell him Klein stories! I loved your story. My mom also read it, and it brought back many memories for her as well.

Connie Sukernek
Squirrel Hill