The iconic Slater's Diner in Raymond is indeed up for sale, but the owners David and Tammy Slater are in no rush to hand over the keys. Word quickly spread around the county that the diner was for sale and would be closing its doors indefinitely. Fortunately that's not the case. Locals can sit down and relax with the knowledge that the diner will be open until it sells.
The diner opened in December 1999 after its previous location closed months prior and the operation was moved to along US 101. It was first known as The Pizza Loft at the corner of Duryea and 3rd Street in downtown Raymond where Sheila's Kountry Kitchen now sits.
Slaters has managed to survive 32 years in Raymond and has weathered the down-turn in the economy. Over the years they've still found a way to turn a profit and stay open. "It hasn't been easy," David Slater said. "When I look back at where we started and where we're today I just can't believe it. All I can say is it took a lot of tenacity."
The last three years have taken the hardest toll on the business after the Slater's adopted their three nieces. They now have to balance a full-time home life and a full-time business. "We just don't have the energy we had back in our twenties," David said. "We can't do the whole open 7 days a week 24/7 anymore."
Retaining quality employees has also been a tough gig for the diner with several no-shows and workers quitting in the middle of their shifts over the summer. One worker quit in the middle of a shift on a Friday night and the pressure fell on the owners to pick up the slack.
Regardless of the tough times, the diner has continued to be a common place for locals to eat out and for travelers to make a pit stop passing through on US 101. "The menu has changed over time as we've tried to adapt to new taste," Tammy said. "I think we've done a pretty good job with that and people still seem to enjoy our food."
The Slaters have seen locals come and go over the years. They've also watched many grow up from childhood. And have hired many over the years as teenagers and seen them head off for college and start families. "It's been a blessing to be a part of this wonderful community," Tammy said. "It will be a very hard place to not be a part of."
David, on the other hand, isn't quite sure he's even ready to sell yet. "I'm not entirely sure I am ready to let this place go just yet. If someone comes in with a good offer then I would accept it. But, I am in no rush to step away. We've done this for so long it's who we are."