Roxy has new digs and some brisk business

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/07/2011 (5405 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

What was old has become new again for a popular Oak Bluff area eatery.

Roxy’s Diner moved into a new 2,500-sq. ft. location on June 15. The new venue is actually the former Fannystelle Hotel which the restaurant’s owners purchased last year and moved to its current location near Highway 3 earlier this year.

The diner has enjoyed a brisk business since it reopened and its owners say they couldn’t be happier with the community’s response.

“Lunches are crazy here right now and a lot of people are happy we are back,” said diner owner Jennifer Last following a lunch rush last week.

“We had every table full today at least twice and I cooked for about three hours straight. People love the new place.”

The new location — which will now allow Roxy’s to operate year-round — features all new decor, a new lounge, increased seating capacity and extended hours of operation.

One Oak Bluff resident said she is always eager to support a local business, especially one where she used to work.

“I think they did a really good job with the renovations,” said customer Emily Henwood. “I used to work here before they moved the building and this is a way nicer place now.”

While business has been strong since Roxy’s reopened, Last said there is still room for improvement.

“A lot of people around here have no idea that we serve breakfast now, so we are trying to get the word out,” she said.

Last said the lunch rush has more than made up for the lack of breakfast business.

The new location has been good for the local economy. The diner has increased its staff from six to 25 since it reopened.

“We tried to hire as many people from the community as possible,” said the diner’s namesake and Last’s daughter Roxy.

Refurbishing the former hotel to get it ready for the restaurant was a real community endeavour, according to Last.

More than 90 volunteers, friends and family members helped get Roxy’s prepared for opening day. Last and her daughter Roxy both said none of it would have been possible without their efforts.  

“Although we subcontracted for the plumbing and electrical, the rest of the work was done by us and a slew of family and friends from the community,” she said.

Roxy’s Diner will host an official grand opening on July 16 and 17. Last said the entire community is invited.

prescott.james@canstarnews.com