A small yellow building located at 307 North Main Street sits hidden from sight to many of the thousands of cars that pass by on their way to Longwood University. Although unnoticed by countless Longwood students, this small building is actually a local legend within the Farmville community.
In 1955, the building first opened its doors, becoming Walker's Diner. The small restaurant has been in the hands of many owners throughout the years. In 2007, Arlene Mosher, Walker's current owner, purchased the diner from its previous owners, the Bollingers.
After moving to the area from New Jersey, Mosher began dining at Walker's regularly. She described being "enticed" by the small and intimate setting. With 30 years in the food service industry, Mosher felt like she would not have to depend on many people to open and close the business. "I knew I could handle all aspects of the business on my own with my passion for food," said Mosher. Mosher, with the help of three employees, has been running the restaurant since 2007.
The 15-stool diner is best known for its small-town feel, delicious homemade ice cream, and having "the best breakfast in town." Although the diner has become a weekly hit up for many residents and students in the Farmville area, rumors began to circulate about the future of the local favorite when "For Sale" signs hung in the windows at Walker's.
"I was adamant about selling the diner last year, but I have had a change of heart," said Mosher.
Walker's Diner was on the market for about a year and a half. Mosher received much interest from potential buyers, but no bids were placed on the diner.
Mosher said, "I enjoy the customers, preparing the food, and making people happy." With such close ties to the Farmville community, Mosher found it hard to leave the diner behind.
"So, I have decided I would continue forth with Walker's diner," said Mosher.
With the "For Sale" signs still hung in the window, many residents in the community continue to speculate whether or not the doors will remain open. Mosher explained, "The reason why the ‘For Sale' signs are not down yet is because I am waiting for the construction workers to finish laying the concrete for the sidewalks outside so that I can pull them down and put my other signs up."
Program Coordinator for the Office of Disability Resources, Cameron Patterson, '10, explained his reaction to the news that Walker's was being put up for sale. "It was definitely troubling from the standpoint that you just never know if the next person that takes Walker's over will keep it the same or if they will make drastic changes to it," said Patterson. He continued, "There is always the worry that someone might value the plot of land that it [it] is on more than they value the restaurant."
According to Mosher, the reason behind why she originally put the diner up for sale was because of the struggling economy. "My intentions were not to lock the doors," she said.
Patterson said, "Just knowing the owner, Arlene, I felt pretty comfortable at the end of the day that if they went to make the sale, she would be very intentional in finding someone that would value the place for its significance in the community and would find someone who would preserve Walker's for the special place it is."
For many in the community, Walker's is not just another typical diner. "The small hole in the wall ‘Mom and Pops' dining experience cannot be found in many places anymore," explained senior Al Dintino. Every weekend, Dintino makes it his priority to stop in at Walker's for his favorite breakfast, the loaded western omelet. "Every time I walk into Walker's, I can count on the friendly, ‘Good morning, what can I get ya' greeting," said Dintino.
Patterson emphasized, "Every college student should at least try Walker's once before graduating. For me, Walker's Diner is one of those bucket list type of experiences that you have to have."
Now that Mosher has changed her mind about selling Walker's Diner, she has a completely new outlook on how the restaurant should be run. "I want the students to know that they are all welcome here," said Mosher.
By listening to her young college student customers, Mosher hopes to get some productive feedback to help build revenue at the diner. "I understand with my hours, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., that it is very difficult for students to come to Walker's Monday through Friday because they are still in school during that time," she explained. With the knowledge of that student feedback, Mosher is planning to extend Walker's hours in the springtime to cater to those students' needs.
"I am open for their ideas or creative strategies that they would like me to put in effect. Students have talked to me about doing Friday night delivery with grilled cheese and hamburgers, and show up on campus at …two in the morning or something, " continued Mosher. She strongly believes that there is no question or idea that is not worthy of being brought to her attention.
Another idea Mosher is exploring is the use of the Lancer Card for a payment option at the diner. For now, she is calling the idea a "work in progress," but seems optimistic at the possibility. "It is just a little costly for an independent small business owner, but I hope that it is going to be one of my expansion options for the spring," explained Mosher.
According to Mosher, the concept behind allowing the lancer card to be used at the diner would simply be to make it more convenient for the student body to come eat at Walker's.
Mosher is excited about what the future holds for Walker's Diner. "You have to really work with your community to better yourself and to better your community, and I am all for that," said Mosher.