After seeing strong business in the early going at its Ogletown location, Metro Diner is setting its sights on two additional locations in northern Delaware.
Managing partner of the Ogletown location Dae Chang said plans are in the works for locations on Concord Pike and Middetown.
Development is often difficult along Concord Pike and in other unincorporated areas of the county, with routine projects sometimes taking a year or two if major renovations take place.
“It’s been crazy,” Chang said during a phone interview outside the bustling restaurant when asked about the level of business. During the conversation, a patron leaving the restaurant stopped by to thank Chang.
Chang attributes the early success to word of month recommendations; a friendly, motivated staff; food made from scratch; and the popularity of the Wawa store that formerly occupied the location in the Omega Shopping Center.
The local convenience store mainstay is becoming a household name in Metro’s home state of Florida by opening 100 stores in the Sunshine State.
Metro gained some measure of fame when it was featured in Food Network personality’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives cable show.
Chang also noted that local diners are relatively rare in Newark, at least when compared to states like New Jersey.
The 3,450-square-foot diner seats 140 and maintained a plain Jane appearance on the outside that mirrors its original location.
The menu matches the southern-style offerings from the original diner in Jacksonville, FL. Menu items include chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits. Prices generally run a $15 and under.
Delaware favorites, such as chipped beef and scrapple, are available upon request.
The made-from-scratch menu was a one reason for Chang’s decision to seek a franchise for a Metro Dinner.
A chain restaurant veteran, Chang said he turned down an opportunity to run an upscale Fleming’s steakhouse to the rapidly growing restaurant group.
Too many chain restaurants rely on “Chef Mike,” Chang said in reference to the use of packaging from central kitchens and the use of microwaves. More than once, he
The diner plans to remain active in the community, not a strong point of many chains.
Metro held two pre-opening friends and family nights that benefitted Exceptional Care for Children and the Kirkwood Soccer Club. The events raised $3,652 for Exceptional Care and $4,563 for Kirkwood Soccer Club.
Metro Dinner is up to more than 40 locations open or in the works. Most are on the East Coast, although the company is opening locations in the Las Vegas area.
While open early for breakfast, Metro Diner, unlike many Jersey diners, closes at 9 p.m.
Correction: Earlier editions described Metro Diner as a franchise. It operates with managing partners who have ownership stakes in restaurants.
