As previously published on Daily Local.
Malvern’s popular eatery, Classic Diner, recently announced they are opening a second location in downtown West Chester. The original location, which has been open for 19 years, receives rave reviews from foodies, and the line to get in the diner often snakes out into their parking lot.
The new location will be at 16 E. Gay St., in the space that for a short time held Jack’s Steaks and Shakes. Jack McFadden had transformed the building, so the Classic Diner team is quickly moving on some modifications with the hopes of being open by mid-November. On the day I stopped in, painters were transforming the colors from Jack’s Steaks signature rust color to the traditional Classic Diner black-and-white.
We sat down with Linda Farrell and Kristina Flynn to learn details of the upcoming launch. Kristina Flynn and her husband, Tom Farrell, own the Classic Diner. Linda Farrell and her husband, Nick Farrell, own Unionville’s esteemed Sovana Bistro. Yes, Nick and Tom are brothers.
“We looked at the space, and it just felt right,” Kristina explained. They’ve known Jack McFadden for years and Linda even worked for Jack years ago at the Bar & Restaurant. They are leasing the space.
Just like Malvern, the Classic Diner in West Chester will be open for breakfast and lunch and will have a similar menu. “Our plan is to modify the back area so it can be used for the bakery, take out and prep areas.” Kristina said. “We’ll be making our sticky buns on site, and I can’t wait to smell them fresh out of the oven. Our goal is to have the food come out of the kitchen exactly the same as it does in Malvern.”
The new restaurant will have approximately 65 indoor seats. They plan to have sidewalk seating during the summer months. The diner also has a quiet second-floor porch with additional seating.
Kristina credits husband Tom with the successful concept of the Classic Diner. “He designed the menu and the concept, I work on day-to-day operations.” Linda works on operations at Sovana Bistro and handles catering and private functions. Sovana Bistro was recently named one of the top 50 restaurants in the Philadelphia region.
This team of four has also been working on expanding their Rapid Dough Pizza shops.
“We all worked together on RapiDOUGH, and we feel we’re a solid team,” Kristina said.
Linda and Kristina are excited about Classic Diner being right in the borough. Their families both live outside of town and they feel as though they know so many of the other restaurant owners along Gay Street. “What is warming my heart is the response,” Kristina said, about the way news of the opening spread on social media. “That makes me feel really good.”
Find The Classic Diner West Chester open mid-November at 16 E. Gay St. Updates on the official opening day and more are coming to WestChesterDish.com.
Photo of Classic Diner owners credited to Jim Breslin.
Culinary photos credited to Betsy Barron Photography.
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