By Brianna Bush / Managing Editor
In the wake of a global pandemic, people around the world are struggling to find normalcy in their lives. For some Brockport students, the Brockport Diner is that normal life they were seeking to find. Breanna Rosen and Marios Argitis find a piece of what “used to be” in the vinyl booths of the Brockport gem.
For the last three years Rosen has been going to the diner with her friends for a quick bite to eat. She would go to the diner at least once a week. This, however, was before the pandemic. These days, Rosen is lucky to make it to the diner once or twice a month.
“This year is definitely different than previous years,” Rosen explained. “I just don’t have the time to go anymore. Between work and school, I just don’t have the time, but when I do go, I always leave satisfied and happy.”
Like many other establishments in New York, the diner follows the statewide mandate requiring people to wear a mask when entering a building. The mandate also requires businesses to be at half capacity and have certain sanitation procedures in place, which Rosen has seen in person.
“After guests leave, a server will go to the table and make sure everything is wiped down and sanitized for the next group to walk through the door,” Rosen said. “It is weird to see some of the booths closed off though.”
Unlike many restaurants, the Brockport Diner still has its full menu with all three meals. Both Rosen and Argitis are thankful for being able to pick their favorites foods.
“My favorite thing to get from the menu is definitely the chicken finger pita,” Argitis said. “I couldn’t imagine if they got rid of it, I really couldn’t.”
Rosen tries to “mix it up” each time she goes to the diner. Going from eggs and toast to a chicken finger platter, she enjoys each bite she has.
“My absolute favorite thing to get is the loaded baked potato soup,” Rosen said. “It’s a comforting food, especially during these times — and not to mention it’s cold here [in Brockport] nine out of the 12 months.”
Argitis has been coming to the diner since his freshman year with his brother. Now a senior, he finds comfort in the diner and thinks of it as one of the more family-friendly places in Brockport.
“It’s in a perfect location,” Argitis explained. “It’s a perfect walking distance from the campus and my apartment, which is really nice since I don’t have a car or license. It has such a nice atmosphere about it too, I couldn’t imagine a better place to go.”
The staff is also a reason to frequent the diner. Rosen and Argitis feel at home with the service they receive each time they go. Rosen always compliments the food and the service when at the diner.
“The waitresses are always attentive and make sure that we have what we need at our table,” Rosen said. “I never have an empty glass on the table, before I even finish my first glass there’s another right in front of me.”
Rosen and Argitis agree that the diner is a great spot to just hangout and enjoy good, comforting food. It offers a great environment to relax, eat and talk.
