When former Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz shut down businesses in 2020 over the Covid pandemic, one man’s restaurant stayed open in defiance. Andy Kriner’s establishment, Kriner’s Diner, defied the mayor’s orders, saying they were unlawful.
The code enforcers quickly converged and nailed a “Stop Work” order to his cafe wall. After the enforcers left, a customer tore down the order.
Kriner’s act of civil disobedience was roundly criticized by people like then Rep. Harriet Drummond, a Democrat, and other Democrats. Soon, Berkowitz was begging for a meeting with Kriner.
Andy Kriner, the owner of Kriner’s Diner, died Dec. 21, 2024 of a heart attack, the family wrote on Facebook:
“Dear Kriner’s Diner customers – scratch that – family, because you know when you’re at Kriner’s Diner, you are our family! Unfortunately, we have news that we never thought in a million years we would ever have to deliver…a tragedy hit our family on Saturday, December 21st. Andy Kriner, husband, father, brother, grandfather, son, and friend, has fatally passed from a heart attack.
We know, this will never ever make sense, and, honestly, Andy would tell you that it is not for us to understand, it is only up to the Good Lord to know. Andy is the most God-fearing man, well, besides his dad Norm Blakeley, his mom Sally Hoskins, and his stepmom Barb Blakeley.
“Questions that have come to mind: how is Norann ever going to make it? Do you know Norann Kriner, the strongest woman you will ever meet? God blessed us with a family that is large and in charge, and we all have roles that play a part in keeping things going.
“Another question: are we closing Kriner’s Diner? NO! The last post Andy put on social media was a happy birthday to Jim Meredith, his best friend of 60 years. Poetically, Andy Kriner passed on his best friend‘s birthday, always trying to take that spotlight. All jokes aside, Jim Meredith is a very intelligent man and he has taken over all the strategies to help make Kriner’s Diner work.
“Now, we know we just celebrated Christmas and we’re busy but the Kriner family must move forward. All we ask for at this time is prayers. We need all the prayers our entire family can get.
“We share our sincerest condolences with every single one of you that felt like you were his best friend because that’s exactly how you made him feel. Know that our hearts are with you and you all are in our prayers for comfort and love.
“One last thing, never miss a moment to tell someone you love them!”
Kriner became a folk hero in Alaska in 2020, and his customers/family never forgot his acts of courage. To this day, the diner remains popular with freedom-loving Alaskans.
Read about how Andy Kriner took on City Hall in 2020 and how other businesses followed in the links below.
