HAMLET – Numerous City of Hamlet officials including Mayor Bill Bayless, Councilman David Lindsey, City Manager Jonathan Blanton and Police Chief Scott Waters were on hand to welcome new business Jerry’s Diner to Hamlet.
While the diner has been open for several weeks and had its Grand Opening on Tuesday, May 1st, the official Chamber of Commerce ceremony took place on Monday, May 7th.
Amid the red tablecloths and black chairs and booths, the guests complimented the renovated décor as looking clean, with a health score of 95 to prove it. The painted canvas art on the walls is the work of local artist Rob McCullough, which compliments the newly painted charcoal grey walls.
Jerry’s Diner features a buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Owner Preston Bartley states that he had considered serving individual sandwiches along with the buffet initially, but the health department cautioned that the size of the kitchen dictates that either a la carte orders or a buffet could be done, but not both. Preston is looking in to the possibility of having a salad bar in the near future as well.
Polling the guests to see what their favorite menu items are, Carolyn Blue of Hamlet Florist on Main St says she likes the BBQ pork. Jonathan Blanton said he and the Laurinburg City Manager ate at the diner last week and recommends the pork chops.
In his remarks to the crowd, Preston commented that the city residents have been very welcoming to him. He recalled traveling to Hamlet during his early years to visit his grandmother. She is the one who called him when she found out the former restaurant had moved out and a new tenant was being sought. The name “Jerry’s Diner” is derived from Preston’s father, Jerry Bartley.
Jerry’s Diner is open Monday – Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
