"We didn't expect this response," said Hashizume, who celebrates his 29th year with the company this month. "You can really see the difference. Before, we would only have a few people coming in between 4 and 6:30 p.m. But now, we're packed during these times."

Enough so that the demand prompted Hashizume to extend the early-dinner through the end of August.

"We've never done anything like this in our 31-year history," Hashizume said. "Maybe we'll just keep doing it if the momentum continues."

While most early-bird dinners are available for only an hour during a specific allotted time, Anna Miller's special runs for more than two hours, giving it a distinct advantage over other eateries.

"It's available every day, including weekends," Hashizume said. "And during the week, people don't have to hurry home to take advantage of these specials."

Nor do they have to worry about preparing dinner for the family.

Aside from the convenient and longer-than-usual window of opportunity for the early-bird specials, the selections, too, are a major draw.

Considering the increasing cost of meats these days — even when they're on sale at local grocery stores — the two steak specials are a true bargain. The New York steak, for example, costs under $9, which includes soup or garden salad; rice, french fries, baked or mashed potatoes; and hot roll or cornbread.

Normally priced at $17.99, the hefty T-bone steak now only costs $12.99.

"Where else can you get a complete 16-ounce steak dinner for this price?" Hashizume asked in a rhetorical tone. "You can prepare the same dinner at home and it will cost you even more. And plus, you've still got to do dishes."

Also a bargain is the 10-ounce prime rib entree, which is priced at $9.99 and includes the same sides as the New York steak.

"We're going through 40 slices of prime rib in a two-hour span," said manager Antonio Natividad, a 27-year veteran at Anna Miller's. "It's a good deal and I guess people really love their meats."

Hungry diners pining for a more starch-laden entree can choose either the spaghetti with meatballs ($6.79) or with meat sauce ($6.49).

Guests can also get a slice of fresh-baked pie for only 99 cents with a purchase of an entree. (A slice of fresh strawberry pie costs $1.99.)

The regular a la carte menu will be available during early-bird hours.