Ashland Diner under new management
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
ASHLAND — A ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, was held on Feb. 25, celebrating a change in management at the Ashland Diner, located at 11 Exchange St./Route 227.
Photo courtesy of Heather Stokes
A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY, hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, was held for the new owners of the Ashland Diner in Ashland on Feb. 25. Taking part in the festivities were, from left: Theresa Fowler, executive director of the CACC; Emily Reese, employee; co-owners Heather Stokes and Jodi Reese; employees Laura Bryant, Suzan Burby, Alicia Collins; Town Manager Ralph Dwyer; and employee and former owner Serena Bonville. Not pictured but taking part as well was CACC member Jonathan Isacco.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ENJOYING BREAKFAST at the Ashland Diner on Feb. 25 were, clockwise from top right: Paige Chandler, Emily Reese (not visible), Jenny Clark, Marlene Jimmo and Richard Jimmo (not visible). The diner currently serves breakfast and lunch, but as of March 5 will also serve dinner Thursday through Saturday.
Co-owners Heather Stokes and Jodi Reese are looking forward to the new year and welcoming old and new customers to the eatery.
“Jodi, who’s my aunt, was previously employed here and did the baking. When we heard the diner was available, we decided we wanted it,” said Stokes.
The business employs about 10 people currently, but that number may be increasing as business picks up.
“We officially opened Feb. 9. Our current hours are Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Sundays, 6-11 a.m. But starting March 5, we’ll be open Thursday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” Stokes said.
So far, public feedback has been positive.
“Business has been good. Curiosity brings people in,” she said.
“We have lunch specials every day and will do specials when we begin serving dinner as well,” said Stokes.
She said now that work is returning to the Ashland area, so too is an interest in eating out.
“Many of the mills are back up now, which is great for this region,” said Stokes.
“Business gets better every day,” added Reese.
“It’s been nice,” noted Stokes.
Stokes said the plan is to maintain a homey atmosphere, featuring homemade meals.
“Everything’s homemade, including our breads, sweets and donuts,” she said.
Plans are to cater to the public’s needs, be it a private party or a public celebration.
“We can accommodate large parties after hours. We have our catering license to do off-site events as well. We can do business meetings, showers and parties of all types,” said Reese.
“We’re pretty flexible. We’ll start there and see how it goes,” said Stokes.
Stokes and Reese encourage recreational enthusiasts to keep them in mind, since the business is accessible from the local trail system.
“ATVs and snowmobiles have access. We’re working to get the diner on ATV and snowmobile maps. People have told us they don’t know of a place to eat on the trail — now they have a place,” said Stokes.
Reese said they’re working on special events for the summer months.
“We want to have a Cruise Night, for folks with classic cars and trucks. We want to do things like that,” said Reese. “We’re open to suggestions.”
For more information, call 435-8240.
