It's been eight months since a fire destroyed the Oswego classic: Wade's Diner. Now breakfast is back to normal as they opened their doors for the first time since August. Gabrielle Lucivero stopped by on opening morning to talk with some customers excited to finally get served up their favorite dishes.
OSWEGO, N.Y. -- Doors didn't open until 6 a.m., but customers were lined an hour early.
"The first person to come through the door this morning drove in from Rome. They got up at 4:30 this morning to drive here to be the first in line. I don't think I can put it into words. To be down for eight months and then to open the door and all of these people are standing here,” said Wade’s Diner owner Tony Zappala.
They'd waited eight months, but the day was finally here. Breakfast in Oswego hasn't been the same since a fire destroyed Wade's Diner last August.
"Well it was too long coming, they should have had this place built the next day. The meal was great. Everybody's very relieved that they have this institution back. It's a great way to start your weekend,” said Kent Warner.
Warner had been coming to Wade's Diner for more than 40 years and he's not the only one. People were excited to get back to their traditions, both on and off the menu.
"It's not just a place to eat, it's a social gathering place,” said Warner.
"You come in here and you see the same people all the time, they're very friendly, it's like the meeting spot of the world here,” said Jeanne Trionfero, another longtime diner customer.
While everyone might have their favorites, there's one thing they can all agree on is that they're happy to be back, eating here at Wade's Diner.
"It's nice to know the people are coming back, you never know. Once you go to a different place and try their food, they might decide they like it, you never know, but we've got good solid customers,” said Zappala.
Solid customers and a solid crew of cooks and waitstaff who helped all winter to get this place back up and running.