Staff Writer
ASHLAND – Hungry folks won’t have to go far for breakfast and lunch with the recent opening of Ashland’s Diner II at 11 Exchange St.
Located at the site of the former Ashland Diner, mother/daughter co-owners Amy Collins and Serena Collins opened the eatery Oct. 1 to meet the morning and noontime dining needs of locals and travelers alike.
“We cater to the locals – business employees and loggers – as well as those just passing through, like hunters,” said Serena Collins.
Loggers and mill workers traveling to and from area mills are just some of the many regulars who frequent the business, said Serena.
“It can get quite lively in here, with customers talking across the room. It can get pretty loud. I’ve had at least one hunter from away ask me if it’s like this all the time and I told him ‘yes.’ This is what a small community is all about. Everyone knows everyone else,” said Serena.
The Collins had a bit of family help getting the place ready to open, with Serena’s dad, James Collins, and brother, James “Buddy” Collins Jr., lending their construction skills to the project.
“Dad was a big influence and helped a great deal. My brother helped in the construction of the preparation room,” said Serena.
Keeping with the homey atmosphere, Ashland’s Diner II offers a variety of homemade goods, from breads to muffins and donuts.
“We offer daily specials with a lot of home-cooked items, such as pot roast and chicken pot pie. We also have homemade chicken fingers and French fries, as well as settler’s beans,” said Serena.
The owners are also open to customer requests and are willing to fulfill customer’s requests, within reason.
“We had a customer who brought in some apples. We made the gentleman a pie from the fruit,” said Amy Collins.
With the holidays upon us, the mother-daughter team are already taking orders for baked goods.
“People can call ahead and order what they want or they can walk in and buy that day. We’re already taking orders for the holidays,” said Serena. “It’s often easier for people to pick up (baked goods) than to make their own.”
Customer suggestions for meal ideas or baked goods are also welcome, said Serena.
With cakes, pies, muffins, donuts and breads, including raisin, to choose from, there’s always something yummy sending wonderful aromas wafting through the diner.
“I enjoy snacking around here. There’s always something delicious fresh from the oven on hand,” said Serena.
“We make our own breads, donuts and pies. Nothing’s out of the box,” said Amy.
The owners bring several years of customer service with them to the new venture.
“I’ve worked with customers for years, while working at Coffin’s in Portage,” said Serena. “And Mom has worked in the accounting field for years and will be handling that aspect of the business when she’s not serving customers.”
The business was bustling on Nov. 16 as the owners prepared for the diner’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Town Manager Jim Gardner was on hand for the festivities.
“I think they’ll do very well. This is a positive thing for the town – to see an existing business stay (open) instead of closing,” said Gardner.
The facility formerly operated as the Ashland Diner, under the ownership of Joyce Eastman.
Gardner said because it’s a family-owned business, the diner will attract not just individuals but families looking for an enjoyable place to grab a bite to eat.
“This is a family-owned and family-oriented business. It’s a nice fit for the community. It’s centrally located – near the schools and downtown – not far from everything,” said Gardner. “And with the mills in town, it gives those employees a place to get a great home-cooked meal instead of having to eat a bagged lunch.”
Serena said she’s especially looking forward to serving customers and getting to know the regulars.
“I love people. People love to pick on me but that’s OK. I enjoy seeing them smile,” said Serena.
Public response has been wonderful, according to Amy.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback since we opened in October,” said Amy. “We’d like to thank the community for accepting and supporting us. We appreciate our customers and the atmosphere they create.”
None of this would be possible without a good staff, said Serena.
“Gloria Curtis serves as our all-around help, Patti Nielson and Laurie Carney are our waitresses, Melissa Spooner is our full-time cook and Sheila Whitish is our part-time cook. My sister, Alicia, also serves as a waitress on the weekends,” said Serena.
Business hours are Monday through Saturday, 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to place an order, call 435-8240.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A RIBBON-CUTTING ceremony was held Nov. 16 at Ashland’s Diner II. Taking part in the event, from left: James Collins Sr., seated; Gloria Curtis, all-around helper; Town Manager Jim Gardner; Patti Nielson, waitress; Melissa Spooner, full-time cook; Laurie Carney, waitress; Amy Collins, co-owner; Serena Collins, co-owner; Alicia Collins; and Bob Nelson, Town Council chairman and Serena’s grandfather.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
BUSINESS WAS BOOMING Nov. 16, as hungry patrons gathered at Ashland’s Diner II at lunchtime for a bite to eat. Open with a slight name change and new owners, the eatery offers a variety of meals, specializing in homemade baked goods.
