Nancy Manton to oversee Bangor Street restaurant
Staff Writer
HOULTON — “A good, home-cooked meal at a fair price.”
That’s what new manager Nancy Manton is aiming to offer customers at Elm Tree Diner.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
HOME-COOKED MEALS — Waitress Jessica Milton serves up a freshly-cooked meal to lunch customers at the Elm Tree Diner last week.
Manton, former owner of the Mill Pond Dairy Bar in Hodgdon, joined the Bangor Street business close to three weeks ago and said she’s been enjoying the new job so far.
“I’m a very active person, and I like to be on my feet, doing things and talking to people,” she said.
Gary Dwyer, who owns the eatery, said last week that he’s happy to have Manton on board.
“She’s honest, excited and forward-thinking,” he said. “And that’s what we want to be. We want to be a bit upscale, but with the family concept in mind. We want to offer people dishes that not everyone else is offering. We don’t want to just throw fried food at people; we want to be innovative and creative.”
Dwyer, who owns a variety of business ventures, said he purchased the restaurant in the interest of preserving what he saw as a business landmark. The Elm Tree Diner, which had been closed, re-opened in July after some major renovations.
“We spent about three months re-doing the whole thing,” explained Dwyer.
Manton said changes at the restaurant are on going.
“We’re making some changes and we’d like to have people come out and try us,” she said. “Also, after the new year, we’re planning to launch a separate take-out menu so people can call in for lunch.”
Aside from any changes, both Manton and Dwyer said the goal is to create a clean, friendly atmosphere where customers can enjoy great food with help from a friendly staff of waitresses.
“We are and will remain the cleanest restaurant in Maine. That’s a must,” he said. “And we just want everybody to feel comfortable when they come in and to feel very pleased with the way they’re treated.”
Manton agreed.
“We want to distinguish ourselves as a fine dining establishment with some signature dishes and with some home-cooked favorites,” she said. “For anyone who hasn’t been here in a while, I’d just encourage them to come and try us again.”
Elm Tree Diner is open seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
