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.
God bless people like Andy Kriner, a true Alaskan patriot who had the courage to stand against government tyranny. Too bad our current Governor did not visit Kriner’s Diner during the unlawful lockdowns like many patriots, but only takes Federal ( coovid cash, like a bribe ) money for government programs especially the Woke schools, thereby having Alaskans to live under the State and nation destroying agenda of the globalist agenda, I.E. LGBTQ Queer theory indoctrination, D.E.I ( Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), invasion of foreigners, Almost 70,000 so far and counting ), Carbon Capture B.S., Woke bull sh*t ( as President elect Trump calls it ).
True patriots like Andy may be gone, but their memory and righteousness will forever live in the hearts of Alaskans who care for our home, Alaska, God’s Country as many call her.
We must keep up the fight against government tyranny and call on Almighty God, through His beloved, sacrificial Son, Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior , sender of the Holy Spirit of the Lord as our helper, comforter and guide. May He deploy His myriads of mighty Angels to ministry to and protect us, especially our precious children and their/ our future from this great evil overwhelming the whole world !
Amen.
Amen.
Henry, Amen, sir.
Tyranny was on full display during the global psyop covid farce.
I never wore a mask, except to get on an airplane.
Never took the experimental gene therapy jab.
I am absolutely disgusted with most of our politicians – federal, state, and local – and deeply disappointed in much of our citizenry.
Kriner exemplified a Free Man.
Amen. I am an old lady living in the Valley. Never met Andy, but to me and MANY other Alaskans, his courage in defying the draconian lockdowns was a beacon of hope which encouraged others to stand up. And he paid dearly with exorbitant fines. But he stood his ground. He was a hero to me and to so MANY other Alaskans as well who also never met him but loved him for his courage in the face of tyranny. May you rest in a well deserved peace Andy Kriner.
TYRANNY????? That’s absolutely hilarious. You want to see real tyranny? Keep watching while the orange headed felon takes over.
Classic TDS on display.
Can you describe exactly what you are afraid will happen?
Your inference is that closing business, forced masking and vaccinations are okay. Closing schools, paying teachers to not teach, depriving kids of education and socialization were reasonable policies. That the “rules” made sense. Now we know none of it made a bit of difference except to crush small business, massive job loss and real adverse affects from a vaccine that did not stop the spread of any disease. These are admitted facts, by the CDC and the drug companies themselves.
Exactly what plans have you heard about that causes you to expect a totalitarian regime? I can’t wait to hear.
Time for another Covid booster shot.
Let me guess you are on your 5th booster and still wear a mask when you drive your car.
I can’t wait👏👏👏
You will be much better off under this president just wait and see.
Methinks Rex has no clue what actual Tyranny is.. even when it was clearly presented with the pointless Covid mandates.
never even heard of him, rip.
but how about the price of…etc
Andy was a beacon of strength for common sense, whose life was a testament to the power of one and family. He was an inspiring presence in our lives and community. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.
Dave Donley
Speaking for myself and not for the School Board or ASD.
Started eating at Kriners after Andy took a stand. Thanks for standing! You will be missed and fondly remembered.
RIP Andy and hugs to his family during this time. We will continue to dine at your establishment in support of your family.
Eternal rest grant unto Andy O Lord, and may perpetual Light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
I’ll never forget stopping in to ask Andy if he’d help support our local private school fundraiser. He didn’t know me from Adam, but he didn’t hesitate one second to donate -and to give a restaurant gift card to my family as well!
What a generous heart. The entire Kriner family is in our prayers.
Man, am I gonna miss you, Andy. I still remember the first time I went to eat in there and you greeted us and we talked until you realized we hadn’t ordered yet…lol. Thanks for standing up to tyranny in the best way that you could, and for giving Anchorage an excellent dining experience. God bless you and your family and keep them until we are all reunited one day.
I’m so thankful for the courage he showed standing against the Anchorage political machine, I know I will never forget it and that he was really standing up for everyone’s freedom here in this little town. Lord have mercy on us all.. and receive our brother into everlasting peace.. Amen
God Bless and RIP Andy Kriner.
Andy Kriner stood up for his First Amendment rights when many others bent to the will of Mayor Berkowitz. The Alaska Covid Alliance honored Andy Kriner in 2023 with its “Noble Prize”: “The Alaska Covid Alliance recognizes Andy Kriner of Kriner’s Diner as an outstanding citizen for his unwavering support of the First Amendment. His defiance of Mayor Berkowitz’ Emergency Order during Covid is exemplary of his courage despite impending heavy fines and political pressure.
The Alaska Noble Prize, issued this date, October 13, 2023”
God bless the Kriner Family now and in the future.
P.S. Andy K will be serving some of the best breakfasts in heaven now!
Our prayers will include Andy and his family. He was a strong man and stood up to unjust decisions by government at a time when we all needed a Patriot.
We patronize his family diner whenever we can, although now we live in the Valley after 50 years in Eagle River to escape the socialist municipal government. Anchorage and its schools have only gone deteriorated since the leftist Assembly and School Board have taken control.
We will continue to support Andy’s ideals and his family’s diner.
RIP. Why is Kriners up for saie? Your post indicates that they will not sell. The “for sale” notices say something completely different. Just report the truth.
Try reading it again. It says no such thing. – sd
CK,
Relax.
Get another Covid booster shot – you’ll feel better.
We had a similar hero(ine) here in Oregon. In defiance of the COVID lockdowns, the owner of the Along Came Trudy restaurant refused to shut down. She continued feeding her faithful patrons even amidst cruel fines.
Just like the gym owner on the east coast. And his fines were completely overturned when he took them to court.
God is blessing Andy and his loved ones. I’m so glad that Andy got to see November 2024 and knows that a major victory has come to restore our republic. Courageous is one of several words to describe you Andy. A very good man, very much respected and loved, you are, Andy Kriner.
I was truly devastated to read that Andy Kriner had died. What a great man. I always take visitors to Kriner’s and have had 100% approval. My parents have come up from Texas every year to visit, and they spend every morning they are here at Kriner’s. Once, they were there on an anniversary (Kriner’s Diner) and got to spend time and chat a bit with Andy and Noranne. That thrilled them. I will continue to support the diner, but there will definitely be something missing.
A patriot that stood in the face of tyranny, definitely. The judiciary failed him by standing up with tyrants, instead of standing up for the Constitution. Andy showed us where we were with our “government” and we continue on the road to ruin anyway. A good man gone too soon.
We’ve loved Andy Kriner, his wife Norann and his kids since many years ago when our kids played hockey together in Soldotna, AK. Since then we’ve made Kriner’s Diner a frequent stop when visiting in Anchorage. We will miss his great personality and energy. Always felt welcomed in his store. Our best wishes to Norann and children and grandkids. They are true friends.
The world is a lesser place with the passing of Andy. But Heaven just gained a righteous soul. God speed to the Father.
Wouldn’t it be a nice tribute from the Children’s Lunchbox if they were to re-name themselves as Andy’s Lunchbox? Every month he would send them a donation, and let patrons know the good work that the Children’s Lunchbox did. Let’s honor Andy and his love of family, friends and his home by re-naming the Children’s Lunchbox!
A good man who made a difference in many peoples lives. Blessings.