Harry Werkeiser

Harry Werkeiser is a retired business man in the Hazleton area, with  40 plus years of experience in business.  Owning a grocery store with a delivery service, and being a trained butcher, the store specialized in fresh cut meats in the 70's until 1978, when the store closed.  Then I went to work at a supermarket in the area as a manager and also a meat cutter, after 3 years I purchased into the ownership of that supermarket.   In 1994 a franchise for  Bonanza Steakhouse was being built in the Greater Hazleton area.  I was hired to be a manager of that restaurant, after a few months of corporate training, Bonanza was opened in November of that year.  In 2008, I purchased the franchise and the restaurant.  I closed and retired in 2021.  

When I was offered the opportunity to purchase the restaurant, I was a member of the networking group called Hazleton Area Networking Association (HANA).  Had a few discussions with other business minded people in the group and decided to go ahead and purchase the franchise.  Every profession I needed was in that group, an attorney, plumber, electrician, carpenter & handyman, HVAC service, landscaper, insurance,  graphic designer and a financial advisor.  This made the decision a lot easier knowing I had this group behind me.  

I always enjoyed helping others in the community and the success of Bonanza gave me that opportunity to do just that.  Sponsoring fundraisers, events and donation of meals to many groups in the area.  Volunteering  my kitchen and staff to cook and organize free meal giveaways and delivery of meals to home bound people.  Bonanza and myself played a significant role in starting a free Thanksgiving dinner to the citizens of the area. Feeding over 500 per year for the needy, for the last 15 plus years.   Still volunteering to help as much as I can in the Hazleton area.