NORTH AUGUSTA - If you're a breakfast or lunch lover, check out Creekside Diner's flare for home-style food favourites.
Owners Darlena and Bill Holmes have found their niche with all-day breakfasts, baked goods made in-house, daily lunch favourites - including their famous tomato macaroni soup - and weekend breakfasts in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.
"We value our customers very much, which is why 85% are regulars," says Darlena (Dar). "Having a friendly meeting place is 100% of what we aim for."
The couple purchased the business 3 years ago from her parents, made numerous updates to the property and dining room and started a focus on top-quality breakfast and lunch fare. It has paid off. People come to North Augusta from throughout the region.
"The business has really grown," says Dar, adding many customers rave about their breakfast homefries which are fresh cut on-site. Others come for the white, cinnamon raisin and rye breads and sub buns baked by Dar. Creekside also features its own homemade sauces, including Hollandaise, Tzatziki, house and Greek dressings. Their beef and pork gyro are roasted and cut on the premises.
"I love this. Honestly I couldn't imagine not having this and not seeing our customers," says Dar, who got into business so she could spent more time with her husband and children, have no commute and all while doing something she enjoys.
"Even if we won a pile of money, we would still be here," adds Bill, who left a municipal job to work with Dar in the business. "We meet a lot of great people."
They have a 5-star rating from customers on their Facebook page, with comments such as "amazing food", "friendly staff, fast service" and "cozy atmosphere." The dining room seats 42 and during quieter times of the year they do welcome special events for parties and anniversaries. In the warmer months, however, they are kept pretty busy being open for breakfast and lunch 7 days a week.
"I know a lot of young families like coming here. We have a kids corner play area. I enjoy seeing my customer's kids enjoying the space," says Dar.
"It's very family oriented," she adds, noting their younger daughters are often at the diner. Bill and Dar say their team of 3 staff also makes Creekside Diner special. "Our employees are awesome," she says.
Breakfast specialties include eggs Benedict, pancakes, French toast, the Creekside Special, Momma's Special omelette and the Super Bang with three meats, eggs and pancakes.
Lunch menu items include entrée salads, wraps, subs, burgers and hotdogs, gyros, Greek Souvlaki, appetizers, fries and soup of the day. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and local products and produce.
