ROCKINGHAM – Local business owner Jeanny Reynolds has been cooking for the Richmond County community for over 23 years, which is something she absolutely loves to do.
In a business venture that started long ago, Reynolds paired with business partner Susan Campbell to open #1 Diner on US Highway 1 in Rockingham. Now ten years later, Campbell has sold her share of the company, making Reynolds the sole owner of the business.
“My love for people and my love for cooking motivated me to open the diner,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds was told by numerous people there had been several businesses in the restaurants’s current building that weren’t able to stay open. Some even suggested that she wouldn’t be successful at that location. But she knew in her heart this is what she was meant to do and that God had given her a peace about opening the diner, so she pursued her dream.
#1 Diner has a traditional American cuisine menu, and offers made-to-order home cooked meals. They also claim to have “the best burgers in town.”
“I got some people in my church leadership and friends to go to the diner and pray through it with me before I opened,” Reynolds said as her eyes welled up with tears.
She gives God all the credit for the success of her business. Her church also began to support her regularly in her business venture, as they enjoy the meals she cooks. As the community began to hear of the delicious home-cooked meals, a regular lunch crowd started coming to the diner.
Reynolds also mentioned how she has developed a close relationship with her customers, as they have become like family to her. She has two daughters that work for her, Marsha Chavis and Tracey Owens. Angie Tilley has also been with #1 Diner for 10 years.
I’ve eaten there numerous times and the diner is always hopping with happy customers, as all of us love a good down-to-earth home cooked meal!
#1 Diner has a Facebook page in which daily pictures of customers are taken and posted to share the close-knit dining experience. The photo with the most likes per day receives a free meal.
You can visit #1 Dinner during regular hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday from 11a.m. until 3 p.m. Reynolds also offers catering, and interested parties can contact her at (910) 895-0731.
