Youngstown Village Diner marks 25 years

Popular eatery a part of village life

√ Diner to host anniversary celebration

Photos and story by Editor-in-Chief Terry Duffy

Nothing like keeping a good thing going.

Such is the mindset of Cathy Pasquantino of the Youngstown Village Dinner – an iconic eatery, located at 425 Main St., that is marking its 25th anniversary this year.

A long-time favorite in the community, Pasquantino and the Village Diner have been part of the Niagara County hospitality scene for decades. Her resume includes restaurant and lodging operations in Niagara Falls and Lewiston. She took over the former D.J.’s Restaurant on Main in the early 2000s and the Village Diner grew into the village fabric in the quarter-century that followed.

Open for breakfast and lunch six days a week, the diner quickly became known for its delicious eats. It has become a favorite hangout in the community – a place where residents and visitors alike gather, chat and enjoy the comfortable atmosphere overlooking the lower river. In fact, this eatery is such a destination that customers are known to dine in twice a day.

The story behind the success? Pasquantino credited family and staff.

“I have the best – all veterans,” she said of her staff, as she pointed to the diner’s servers working a busy crowd for breakfast and lunch. “Shiela’s been with me 20 years; Margaret’s been with me for 25 years; and my son since he was 16. He’s 41 now. Margaret’s retiring this year at the end of summer, but she’ll be a celebrity server every now and then.”

“My staff is excellent, and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have them,” Pasquantino added.

The diner has also become well-known for its specially prepared meals, festival and holiday offerings, including:

•The Thanksgiving dinner to-go feast of turkey, stuffing and all the fixings – a personal favorite.

•Serving chowder at Youngstown’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebration each March.

•The diner serves beer, wine and food at the annual YBPA “Beginning of Summer Street Dance.”

The diner is a favorite for families on hand for soccer and lacrosse at Fort Niagara; for visitors and those sailing at the Youngstown Yacht Club; tourists attending historical celebrations at Old Fort Niagara; and those fishing the lower Niagara River.

The Youngstown Village Diner celebrates 25 years on Main Street.

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One thing the diner doesn’t do anymore is serve dinner – though not for a lack of public interest.

Pasquantino laughed and said it would be “phenomenal, because people have been dying for me to open back up for dinners. If I was 20 years younger, yeah.”

The Youngstown Village Diner will hold a get-together beginning at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, to celebrate its 25th anniversary. This event is open to the community.

“We’ll have the place open for the evening. Come and enjoy some complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Beer and wine will be available,” Pasquantino said.

The Youngstown Village Diner is serving “Good Food for Fine Folks” from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 6 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Eat in or takeout.

For more information, visit online at www.youngstownvillagediner.com, call 716-745-9858 or just stop in and enjoy the food.

A western omelet with home fries at the Youngstown Village Diner. (File photo)