Though the railcar itself is immobile, the dining experience of the Buckeye Express Diner is one that stays in customers’ memories. “We’re known for excellent food, and free sarcasm!” jokes owner Tony Morris “we’re here to make sure the customers have a good time, and 99.999 percent of the time they walk off the train 100 percent satisfied.”
The array of OSU decoration in the cozy train interior ranges from Woody Hayes cutouts to classic framed stadium photographs, giving light to the diner name Buckeye Express. Ohio State University Buckeye memorabilia cover the walls, and next to the rail car door, a railroad crossing sign is hung indoors next to a classic jukebox. Because the diner is right next to the interstate, and seated proudly at the top of a hill, Morris states that he doesn’t spend on advertising anymore. “It’s word of mouth,” says the owner, “and the visibility we have here from the highway.” The location at 810 State Rt. 97 in Bellville and visual richness of the property has made Buckeye Express a small-town icon.
Morris finds that much of his customer base actually comes to Bellville from Cleveland and Columbus. “They just jump on the highway for a scenic drive rather than spend the twenty minutes in city traffic.” When customers arrive, Morris takes great pride in ensuring customers have good food and good service will make any drive, short or long, well worth it.
“Everything we do is delicious and unique,” states Morris. And he’s not shy about dishing it out against the competition too. “And by that, we mean real burgers. You know. Half pound, freshly grilled, fresh vegetables, not your McDonalds down the street,” as he nods playfully over his shoulder not even breaking eye contact with customers. It’s the warmth and friendliness of a man championing his bigger, better burger, with a certain dose of sarcasm that seems to strike a chord with customers sets a happy tone throughout the diner.
There is something comforting about dining in a train car at the Buckeye Express Diner. On a bright day, sunlight pours in through the train windows, with a view from the top, as laughter fills the air, mixing with the aroma of thick burgers, French fries, foot-long Coney dogs, and steak. It is the combination of two classics: traditional American diner food served in a old-fashioned red railcars.
The Buckeye Express menu offers a variety of food items, including salads, wings, shrimp, fish, chicken, and cheesecake, just to name a few. A full plate might include large-cut sweet potato fries served with a brown sugar sauce, and their Woody burger, made with a signature sauce, goes incredibly well with their potato-skin French fries. The homage to Woody Hayes and his decades coaching winning seasons of Ohio State University football goes beyond memorabilia here.
The Morris family brings experience of over 20 year of excellence. “There are no pretensions here. We’re just normal folk trying to do a good job, serving our customers the best, freshest products and with the best service. We genuinely look forward to serving guests. It’s an absolute pleasure. I love what I do,” says Morris. When the diner moved from a downtown restaurant in a traditional diner setting, to a hilltop, parked in a train, they kept customer convenience in mind. Morris states, “We’ve streamlined the experience here. People come in, look at the menu at the register and pay here at the door.” Visitors can hear the sizzling grill just beyond the swinging porthole door as they make their pick. Morris explains their setup further, “Then they take a seat in the rail car. The minute their food is done, it’s on the plate and out to the customer. It’s hot, fresh, and served quickly.”
Customer feedback indicates that piles of fries and stacked burgers and sandwiches have customers leaving with full stomachs and smiles on their faces. The Guestbook page on the Buckeye Express website is filled with pleased people commenting on “fantastic food” and “huge portions.” Several customers also compliment the owner on the relaxing, comfortable atmosphere, and Buckeye memorabilia.
But not all customers to the Buckeye Express are diehard Buckeyes. While many customers come dressed in the iconic block O, even a few maize and blue M’s have come through the door. The owner tells Richland Source, he’s even had returning Michigan fans. “Sure enough, my doors opened once again to that family dressed in their Michigan blue, and they’re like ‘We’re back!’ If you’re a Buckeye’s fan,” says Morris, “you’ll love it here. And if not, you’ll come and love it anyway!”
Diner doors are open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 11a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
