September 30, 2015 at 1:27 p.m.
Dinky Diner is under 'new' ownership
Dinky Diner is under 'new' ownership
By Kayla Thomason-
Earl and Margo Morey bought the diner seven years ago for their youngest son, David. The younger Morey owned the diner for four years and took on a partner who later bought him out. The partner had a land contract with the Moreys and owned the business for 3 1/2 years before recently deciding to hand it back over to the Moreys.
The Dinky Diner was closed for six days during the transition.
"We had a very fast turnaround because we were already in the industry, in the business, and I'm well-established credit-wise with the companies and such," said Earl Morey.
Previous customers will note that not too much has changed with the menu or the appearance of the restaurant.
The tables, which had been painted by local artists, sustained some chips and scratches over the years so they have been draped with red tablecloths.
The Dinky Diner has some new equipment because of the lease that goes along with purchasing products such as juices and coffees. Coca-Cola will also be sold through a fountain machine.
The Moreys have gone through the menu and eliminated the time-consuming items so food goes out to the customers quicker.
"We kind of, hopefully, have the menu set now so that the equipment that's here makes the best of the menu, so the food comes up faster now," Earl Morey said.
The diner now offers a fish burger, which is a 4-ounce haddock square that has been deep-fried and put on a bun. It is served with tartar sauce and potato chips or French fries.
The diner also serves a triple-decker clubhouse sandwich which contains lettuce, turkey, tomato, bacon and a choice of toast. It is served with chips.
Another change the Moreys have made is that the diners now uses prime rib for steak and eggs instead of sirloin.
"Top shelf, all the groceries I purchase are all the good stuff," Morey said.
He is unsure if they will sell broasted chicken as they don't have a lease on the equipment yet.
The Dinky Diner will also continue to provide sandwiches to the Shell Gas Station - approximately 100 units a day.
The Moreys have rehired about 90 percent of the employees on staff at the time of the transition.
"We try to provide a very friendly atmosphere," said Margo Morey. "A lot of the customers that come in see people that they know from day to day and that kind of becomes a small family, so that's part of the fun."
One of the familiar faces customers may recognize is Michael Pugh, who worked for the Moreys at the Fireside for five years, took a break and is now working for them at the diner.
"He is very well received. We get a lot of comments on him," Earl Morey said. "He does a great job, (he's) a good worker."
Morey said he hopes customers are pleased with the changes that have been made.
"I hope (all the changes) are well received," he said. "We've had a lot of positive comments so far."
The Moreys are no strangers to the restaurant industry.
Earl has been in the business for 48 years. He started at the Rhinelander Cafe & Pub in 1967 and worked there for 16 years.
After that he bought the Sportsman's Cafe and owned it for six years before trading it for Fireside Supper Club - which he and his wife have owned for 26 1/2 years. During that time they also had the Airport Restaurant.
Margo has been by Earl's side in the restaurants for the past 32 years.
They work well together, he said.
The hours for the Dinky Diner will remain the same - 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
On Fridays the diner willl reopen from 4 to 8 p.m. for the fish fry. Sunday hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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