Tucked just off Main Street behind the courthouse in Edgartown resides perhaps the most interesting diner you have ever seen, both in appearance and in the staff that runs it. Located in the Old Post Office Square, the diner resides directly under the Edgartown Cinema. Its décor is juxtaposed both in style and period to what you see all around it. The fifties themed diner is so authentically outfitted that you may feel like you have stepped back in time or onto the set of a movie where every detail has been thought through by a team of experts. They have. Right down to the soda fountain, the counter Jukeboxes and the booths with Formica tops and vinyl two-toned benches. The Edgartown Diner is a real treat, even before you look at the menu.
Owner & Head Chef, Ralston Francis is from Jamaica and moved to the island from Atlanta, adding one more layer of Juxtaposition to the mix. He originally came to work at the diner as a Chef and after a couple of years decided to buy it and call this island home. The diner is now a family owned and operated restaurant, or will be later this month when Ralston and his fiancé (and diner employee) Mavis tie the knot. Her mother, and Ralston’s soon to be Mother in law, Esther works there, Ralston’s cousin Joseph works there… you get where this is going. In fact, the only person that is not family, is Tijana (although she kids she has been adopted by them). On a late afternoon after the long season, we caught up with some of the staff as they were getting ready to close up. Noticeably absent was Mavis who is still busy preparing for her wedding to Ralston.
How did you all come to work at the Edgartown Diner?
Esther – Let me start, because it all began with me. I started working here in 2005 when it was owned by a different person. I used to go back home. I have lived here since 2011 permanently. So I went back home and Ralston, who was a great Chef back in Atlanta…they needed a chef here, so I talked to Ralston and he came here and worked for a couple of years and then when they were ready to move on, he took over. And then Joseph is my Nephew. He used to work at the Harbor View Hotel when I first worked here and when they wanted some help in the Kitchen, I brought him over.
And so when did Ralston meet your daughter Mavis?
Ralston (jumping in) – I was here on vacation first and met her then. When I returned to work here, we started dating.
And now you’re getting married. So it was a love story that began and continues at this diner?
Ralston Yes
How has the diner changed since you guys took over?
Esther – The décor is the same but the menu is totally different. Almost everything on the menu is new.
So does your Caribbean background influence your menu?
Ralston – Yes, we have American cuisine primarily but I do have some Caribbean influenced items like the Jerk Chicken. I also have specials that are more Caribbean influenced and we host “Caribbean night” several times a year where everything prepared is Caribbean fare. But our daily menu is primarily what you would expect at an American Diner …only better!
You have done a lot of events here. I know you hosted some dinners for the MV Comedy Fest this summer. What is your vision going forward?
Ralston – We want to increase our catering business. A lot of people don’t know that we cater events and parties. We have started to get more of that this year but we would like to do more.
Now, I have heard through the grapevine that you have some pretty big and cool things in the works here. Do you want to talk about that?
Ralston – No. Soon though. I am working on a few things.
How is it working with family?
Joseph – Its good. We all get along good. No problems. We live together too so its good that we all get along so well.
And Tajana, next question is for you. How is it working for these guys? For a family owned restaurant?
Tajana – It’s great. Its my first time working for a small place. We get along good. We help each other. There is not set schedule but we help each other without having to ask. I really feel like a part of the family now.
Well thank guys. We love the diner and thank you for letting us take up a bit of your time. I only have one more question? Can I have a piece of your delicious Meatloaf?
