. To everyone…
67 Days…this is how long it has been since I closed Smith Street Diner. Unfortunately, Smith Street will remain closed as I have decided not to reopen. The decision to close any business is exceedingly difficult believe me I know as I closed Bistro Sofia in October of 2010 because of the recession.
When Smith Street Diner opened 15 plus years ago, we had no idea it would become what it has over the years…an institution. People dined with us not just from Greensboro but from all over the state and from all over the country. We had a lot of local regulars, but we also had a lot of out of town regulars. Smith Street Diner seemed to garner the hearts of many food writers, food bloggers and travel writers and people that just loved the small independently owned local diner.
As we know, people go out to eat for many reasons besides just eating. I know this was true for many of our customers. They came for the food, the coffee, or the freshly squeezed orange juice but on many occasions, they came for the comfort and familiarity of the diner. I am going to say it, like “Cheers” we may not have known your name, but we knew what you ate.
I want to thank all our customers that have come through the red front door over the many years. I want to thank all the staff that have worked for me at the diner. It takes more than one person to make a successful restaurant. It truly is a team effort and I had one helluva team at Smith Street Diner!
I do not know what the future holds but I hope it will be better and brighter than the place we are in at this moment. Remember to please be kind, respectful and civil to all those who cross your path.
Be safe and be healthy,
Beth Kizhnerman, owner of the Smith Street Diner, the best little diner