Springfield hails reopening of Royal Diner

The Springfield Royal Diner is back in business with a new name and new attitude. The historic dining establishment had closed, to the surprise of patrons, back in July.

http://www.gmoutlook.com/news/2011/oct/06/springfield-hails-reopening-royal-diner/

Springfield hails reopening of Royal Diner
Retro eatery features Vermont favorites, local foods
The staff of the newly reopened Vermont’s Royal Diner in Springfield.

The staff of the newly reopened Vermont’s Royal Diner in Springfield.

By Louis Varricchio

As of Thursday, October 6, 2011

Springfield — The Springfield Royal Diner is back in business with a new name and new attitude. The historic dining establishment had closed, to the surprise of patrons, back in July.

Now renamed Vermont’s Royal Diner, the retro diner has survived two flood during 2011. The reworked diner now stresses Vermont comfort food on its menu.

The Howe and Neal families are leasing the building from Springfield businessman Matthew Alldredge. Alldredge is credited with transporting the 1940s-era diner to Springfield from Kingston, N.Y. a decade ago. It was originally called the Art Deco Diner in New York.

Springfield resident and diner regular is Marty Little. He said the renamed, reopened diner is better than before.

“I love the pancakes which I am told come from Eileen Austin Neal,” Little said. “Try ‘em with real Vermont maple syrup and cup of coffee and—man—it doesn’t get any better. I also like the ‘buy local philosophy of the new owners, too.”

Speaking of ‘buy local’, the Howes and Neals by local maple syrup and the diner’s steaks from nearby Winterview Farm. Fresh produce, from a variety of regional growers, is trucked in by Black River Produce.

The Royal is now open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday, 6 a.m.- 3 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.