SHELBY – A familiar dining establishment in the city of Shelby has reinvented itself — again.
The restaurant, at 180 Mansfield Ave. across from the Kehoe Center, celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday as Diner 39, named for the state route of its address. But this isn’t the first time the establishment has been a diner.
“Does anybody remember sitting here and putting in coins for the music boxes that used to be on the tables?” asked Commissioner Marilyn John at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
“When I was a bit younger we used to come here, and us kids thought it was a big deal to get coins and listen to our music, so this brings back a lot of memories.”
These days, the new Diner 39 has a homey feel with warm colors on its walls and home-cooked meals prepared by owners Senol and Angie Kocaman. The restaurant had a soft opening a week prior, and has enjoyed a steady stream of customers ever since.
“I like the work,” said Angie Kocaman, a longtime Shelby resident. “I was a stay-at-home mom for 23 years then when I finally got out and started working I was working at Cornell’s in their kitchen. I come from a large family, and this is something I love.”
Kocaman said Diner 39 specializes in cabbage rolls and stuffed peppers, and is working on bringing chicken and dumplings back to the menu. One patron who has enjoyed the diner’s cooking so far is Mayor Steve Schag.
“Senol has the culinary skills and Angie has the management experience, so they make a dynamic duo for Diner 39,” Schag said. “There’s a lot of energy on the south side of Shelby here along Mansfield Avenue, and we’re so excited they’re a part of this movement out here.”
Indeed, the opening of the diner marks the third business opening in Shelby in 2018 alone. The city welcomed a new Valero gas station on Monday, and will hold an official grand opening of the Arby’s restaurant and drive-thru on Jan. 18.
According to Jodie Perry, president of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, there were 41 ribbon cuttings throughout Richland County in 2017.
“We have a lot of big things that are coming to Shelby, and we’ve put a lot of pro-growth policies in place so it’s nice to see those come to fruition,” said Councilman Nathan Martin. “I’m looking forward to being a patron of this fine establishment.”
Diner 39 in Shelby is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We hope to keep all our customers coming back. We’re one big family,” Kocaman said.
