The man behind the cartoon character-come-to-life legend at Trenton Road Takeout is winding down the final days of his 50-year career.
On Thursday, Mike Feinman, 71, better known to his regulars and rabid social media followers as “Sir Mix-A-Six” (SMAS), will roll out his last batch of craft beers for his adoring fans.
“I’ve been here too long. It’s time,” Feinman said. “I’ll remember the good times and try to forget the bad times.”
Feinman, who owns the entire shopping center where Trenton Road Takeout is located, is expected to settle on the sale of the plaza Thursday.
But, rest assured, the beloved SMAS caricature will continue under new ownership, along with rare beer finds that customers have sought out at the destination beer spot over the years.
“She’s going to improve it,” Feinman said of the new owner, whose plans include revitalizing the shopping center. “She knows how cherished we are.”
Feinman, who’s lived in Falls Township since he was 3 years old, began working in his family’s business in 1974, soon after graduating from Penn State University with a degree in civil engineering. His father, Leo Feinman, built the shopping center in the 1960s. The elder Feinman opened Trenton Road Tavern in 1970. When Mike took over the family business in 1986, the business’ takeout was booming, prompting him to transition the then-bar into a bottle shop, which stocks more than 1,000 varieties of craft beer, traditional brews and wine.
“My kids were raised here,” he said. “When we had the bar, they were playing the games.”
His daughter, Nicole, had worked alongside him at Trenton Road Takeout, serving as taste tester for many of the beers and offering suggestions on which would be most likely to sell.
“SMAS, you are the best, most knowledgeable non-drinker I’ve ever met,” customer Colin O’Donnell wrote on a recent Trenton Road Takeout social media post. “Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!!! Always a pleasure shopping in your store.”
Feinman notes that meeting a lot of customers has been a highlight of the business all these years.
“I’m going to miss it,” he said. “We have a good group of guys.”
After he officially leaves Trenton Road Takeout for the last time on Thursday, Feinman said he plans to “aggravate my wife a little more” and “do nothing for a while.” Feinman and his wife, Leslie, have been together for 48 years – almost as long as he’s been in business.
He’s looking forward to enjoying more time with Leslie, their children, grandchildren and their five dogs.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” Feinman said. “I’m sure I’ll do something.”
