Eat Up

The Diner Dishes Out Customer Favorites

Writer / Matt Keating 

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

John Perkins, owner of The Diner in Warsaw, loved working as an employee at the eatery’s location so much that he decided to take over the business.

“I took over for two of the previous owners and loved the environment,” John says. “I worked in the building for almost 17 years total. I often imagined owning it myself over the years. I love the customers and the relationships I have gained.” 

John pursued his dream and officially opened The Diner on October 11, 2021. He has already garnered a large following of very loyal customers. 

John’s wife Shauna says the building was constructed in approximately 1900. 

“There has been a restaurant in this building since at least the late 1940s,” Shauna says. “It started as the Humpty Dumpty, and has since been Dig’s Diner, B-Mac’s on Buffalo, The Buzz on Buffalo, and now The Diner.” 

Shauna notes that Warsaw residents have been wonderful about frequently eating at the restaurant. They have told their family and friends about the food served daily.

“The support the community has shown has been amazing,”

Shauna says. “We are in awe of all the love and support we have received. The community we serve is the best.” 

Shauna adds that the tasty food specialities on the menu have also kept The Diner full.

“John makes a great burger, and his breakfasts are the best but the Hillbilly Breakfast seems to be a favorite,” Shauna says. “Some of the other customer favorites are the burgers, and the tenderloins are popular.” 

The Hillbilly Breakfast includes a choice of egg, a generous portion of hash browns, and a biscuit and gravy. 

Shauna says other popular breakfast items include breakfast sandwiches, eggs, omelettes, French toast, oatmeal, pancakes, biscuits, bacon, smoked sausage and many other items.

The burgers include cheeseburgers, breaded cheeseburgers, bacon cheeseburgers, double cheeseburgers, and mushroom and Swiss cheeseburgers. 

Shauna says the sandwich selection includes chicken, chicken salad, grilled cheese, ham and cheese, and the Reuben. Customers can also get shrimp and chicken tenders. 

John’s daily specials have also been a big hit. They include lasagna, sloppy joes, beef Manhattans, meatloaf with scalloped potatoes and green beans, fish, and turkey and noodles. 

Shauna has her own personal favorite menu item.

“The garlic cheese curds are amazing,” Shauna says. “They are a must-try.” 

Early risers have enjoyed the hours of operation. It is open early to serve hungry customers. 

“We are open from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays,” Shauna says. “We are open from 5 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, and closed on Sunday.” 

John and Shauna have enjoyed getting to know the customers, and having many of them become regulars.

“We are beyond blessed by the outpouring of support from our community,” Shauna says. “John and I began dating here and we have been married 18 years now.”

John and Shauna plan to be in Warsaw for many years.

“We hope to be here a long time to come, and maybe one of our four children will follow,” John says. “We look forward to serving the community we love for years to come.” 

For more information on The Diner, located at 114 North Buffalo Street in Warsaw, call 574-306-2083.