Charlie’s Diner sits just over the Windham/Westbrook
border, a tiny haven for foodies looking for a bite of breakfast or lunch. With
a menu full of breakfast favorites like Charlie’s Benedicts, omelettes,
creative pancakes and other breakfast specials, patrons will never go hungry.
Charlie’s Diner just changed owners a few months ago.
Deanna Kennedy took over the management of the diner just after construction
began on an expansion project that will add at least 10 additional seats,
provide more dry storage and expand the kitchen. An additional bathroom is
planned as well.
Angela Libby, the previous owner, wanted to spend more
time with her family, so she sold it to Kennedy who had been waitressing at the
diner for years.
“I’ve always dreamed about having my own place. Everybody
has their own twist to it. I can’t get away from it, it’s in my blood,” Kennedy
said.
Not too much will change. The look will change, but most
of the popular homemade foods will remain, along with the staff which will
still be the same fun and friendly people customers have grown to love. There
are seven employees in addition to Kennedy.
“We’ve outgrown the space and need to accommodate more
customers,” she said. Their customers range in age from six months to 92. Some
of the patrons come in every day.
“We’re a little diner place people love. Everybody has
different tastes and every restaurant has a different experience and
atmosphere,” Kennedy said. The atmosphere at Charlie’s Diner is described as
fun.
“My customers are the reason I took over, no other reason
than that,” Kennedy said. She has degrees in nursing and accounting, but
restauranting pulls her back.
One of the most unique dishes is the breakfast bowl, which
contains homefries topped with eggs, choice of meat and three vegetables, and
then mixed with a cream and parmesan cheese based sauce. Kennedy described it
as a type of soup, but people rave about it. They are also known for their eggs
benedict, homemade muffins and cinnamon rolls which are baked daily, among many
other things.
“We’re not a fast food restaurant. Every plate is made to
your preference. Everything is fresh. Eggs don’t sit in a warming tray, ever,”
she said. “That makes a big difference in the taste of food.”
“None of the food structure will change,” Kennedy said.
Some of the dinner items are going away, but will be added in as specials for
lunch. They will continue to have burgers, fresh haddock and steak and cheese
sandwiches, which they are known for.
“Oh, they make the best eggs. I can’t wait to come here,”
said Harriet Woodman of Westbrook who comes daily with her husband Woody.
“I want people to leave here full and happy.”
Kennedy has plans for when the expansion and remodel is
completed. She hopes to have a drive in and out entrance so people who want to
pick up a breakfast sandwich and coffee to go can have easy access. “I’m
looking to increase my morning customer base,” Kennedy said. An under $5 deal
for a breakfast sandwich and a coffee on the way into Portland can’t be beat.
Charlie’s Diner will be closed from Sunday, November 13
after 1 p.m. until Saturday, November 19 at 6 a.m. to complete the renovations.
At the time of reopening, the entrance to the diner will be on the side by the
parking lot, instead of near Route 302.
The restaurant is handicapped accessible.
The hours are currently 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through
Friday and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. On Sundays the diner will
only serve breakfast. Starting November 19, they will be open at 6 a.m. daily.
Watch their sign for updates about their Facebook page
and the addition of a website.
Deanna Kennedy stands with weekday waitress Rita Pomarico,
who has been working at Charlie’s Diner for two and a half years. She makes jewelry, which she sells at the
counter in addition to giving great service.
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