Ole Country Diner
Ole' Country DinerAfter operating Thirsty's Road-House for 20 years, owner Terri Kavanaugh was ready for a change. "Thirsty's was a pub and restaurant, so I was there long hours and late at night," explains Kavanaugh. "I sold the business when my kids were heading to highschool. I was looking for another but didn't want a liquor license this time." Kavanaugh approached the owner of the Ole Country Diner and asked if he wanted to sell his business; the diner operated from 8am to 3pm. "The owner told me the business wasn't for sale, but if he ever considered selling it that he would call me. Three months later, in 2009, he was ready to sell, so I bought the diner."
Kavanaugh made a number of changes to the Ole Country Diner, located at 1254 London Road, after she purchased it. "We totally changed the menu, created an upbeat, fun environment, and hired some amazing staff," shares Kavanaugh. "We are fortunate to have very creative staff and cooks, and we really encourage that creativity." It was a staff member who first came up with breakfast poutine. This menu item features home fries topped with two types of cheese, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. The college kids who were regulars at the diner wanted it as a meal instead of just a side, so the staff created breakfast boats. "Boats start with a bed of home fries and cheese, then each has different toppings, all served in a lasagna boat." Fajita, pulled pork, and benny boats are among the favourites.
Ole Country Diner offers their full menu all day, and all menu items are available for take out. Alongside their signature boats, they have a complete breakfast menu including eggs benedict, french toast, pancakes, and a vegan skillet. Their menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and homemade soups. "We are known for our soups because they are amazing. Our chicken alfredo, BLT and cheeseburger soups are really popular." Ole Country Diner is licensed and recently started serving mimosas, caesars, and Baileys to enhance the breakfast experience.
Early in 2017, Ole Country Diner closed as they worked out a new lease with the landlord. One month later they reopened with Kyle Kavanaugh, Terri's son, and Nick Chorostecki, a long-term staff member, as partners. "Kyle and I each invested some money to complete some renovations while we were closed. We painted the restaurant, installed new floors in the kitchen, and completed some small plumbing and electrical jobs," explains Chorostecki. Ole Country Diner's regular customers all returned after they reopened. "We have the best customers and many of them are like family. We genuinely appreciate each other, and we are so thankful for their loyalty."
Kavanaugh credits her staff with Ole Country Diner's success. "Our staff is high energy, fun, and professional, which is a great recipe for success," shares Kavanaugh. "We love this community, so whether it's a donation to the Sarnia Organ Donor Awareness group or making soup for Empty Bowls, we want the community to know how grateful we are for their support."
Related Stories
The Book Keeper
A newspaper clipping from The Book Keeper's grand opening on September 27, 1980 hangs on the wall in Susan Chamberlain's office. The store's history is often front-of-mind for her. The Book Keeper originally opened in Northgate Plaza and has moved to different locations within the plaza throug
Since September 2011, Chef Paresh Thakkar has been serving up delicious food from Personal Touch Eatery & Catering. Opening his own business gave him the creative freedom to cook unique dishes with global flavours. I watched my Mom and Grandma cook and learned by how they did things. There wa
Bluewater International Granfondo
Three avid cyclists had a lofty idea for a bike race. As big as they dreamed, little could they fathom how "B.I.G." it would become, and the positive impact it would have on their community. The Bluewater International Granfondo (B.I.G.) is a local bike race that takes place annually along the shores
Refined Fool Brewing Co
The Refined Fool Brewing Co. was looking for a way to give back to the community. And, in the spirit of being good corporate citizens, the fools — as they like to refer to themselves — came up with a successful plan. I came on board full time as the event coordinator in 2018 and we immediatel
Related Stories
Alton Farms Estate Winery
In 2005, Marc Alton and Anne Kurtz-Alton purchased a 90-acre farm in Plympton-Wyoming to make their dream of starting a winery a reality. "When we came to look at the farm, everything was blooming, the wind was warm, the smell was amazing, and we fell in love," shares Kurtz-Alton. The Altons han
John's Restaurant
John's Restaurant has seen many changes since they opened in 1964. In that year, John Stathakis bought the house standing at 1643 London Road. The previous owner had already been serving food on the premises. He would put a small sign out by the road that said EAT whenever his wife did so
Hucker Floor Coverings
Charlie Hucker started working in the flooring industry when he was 18 years old. In 1992, after many years in both installation and sales, Hucker bought a shop-at-home flooring franchise. All the flooring samples were in his van and he brought them right to the customer's home. Ten years later, h
Express Employment Professionals
Bruce Hein entered the employment business in 2000 when he purchased Best Personnel. Since 2006 he has operated as part of Express Employment Professionals, the largest franchised staffing firm in North America. His mission is simple: to connect good workers with good jobs. The worst thing we can
Own a local business in Sarnia-Lambton?
Your neighbours already want to spend money here. We just make it easy.
Become a #local Partner and we pay you 100% of every gift card members spend with you. It costs you nothing to join.
Free. Takes about three minutes.
