Come for Breakfast – Stay for Dinner

Marshall Diner brothers open new location in Gainesville

By Christine Craddock

The owners of the Marshall Diner, a staple in the little town and well known to locals for some of the best food around, are expanding their successful business. Brothers Ammar and Ali Alfrookh came to the United States in 2001 and became business owners just three years later, realizing their own American dream. For the last 13 years, residents of Marshall—and those who are just passing through—have enjoyed home-cooked meals, generous portions, and a family atmosphere. Ammar and Ali launched a new diner in April. And the best part is the location is right here in Gainesville, in a quiet little space off Route 29.

There are a few facets to the Gainesville Diner that make it unique. Breakfast lovers can rejoice as they can order any combination of their favorite morning delicacy any time of the day! Early birds and late night diners will find the early opening and late closing hours refreshing. Reviews of this establishment state the portions are very generous.

A look at the menu portrays breakfast options in categories: specialties; sandwiches; omelettes; pancakes, french toast, and waffles; kids’ breakfast; and side orders. Breakfast meals do include typical items like eggs served with a choice of ham, bacon, or sausage as well as homefries or hash browns. But the specialties may be where the difference lies.

The eggs benedict is one specialty item which features two large, poached eggs over round ham slices served on top of english muffins and smothered in creamy hollandaise sauce. With the side of seasoned crispy hash browns, it makes a hearty meal any time of the day. Another specialty is the country scramble; it would be surprising to see anyone clear their plates with this large portion. Fluffy buttermilk biscuits have scrambled eggs mixed in and are topped with a choice of creamed chipped beef or sausage gravy. The first half is delicious; so is the second when leftovers are taken home.

The breakfast sandwiches are made using white, wheat, rye, sourdough, biscuit, or english muffin, and omelettes can include cheese, meat, or veggies. One choice patrons may try is the greek omelette with feta cheese, olives, onions, and tomatoes. For those with a taste toward sweeter meals, golden buttermilk pancakes, short stacks, belgian waffles, and french toast may be be topped off with a blueberry or strawberry topping, or whipped cream.

Remember, breakfast may be the first meal of the day but it’s not the only one. Diners can also enjoy soups, salads, pastas, cold sandwiches, burgers, and hot sandwiches, like the corned beef reuben with sauerkraut, russian dressing and swiss cheese. The monterey hamburger is smothered with grilled onions and melted cheese on rye bread. For really hungry patrons, larger entrees include chop steak, country fried steak, grilled chicken breast, cajun-style chicken, open-face turkey or roast beef served with mashed potatoes and gravy. The menu also offers catfish, salmon, and tilapia.

The Gainesville Diner should be a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene, judging from the success and reputation of the Marshall Diner. This new place may be the next go-to spot for home-cooked, feel good, family-friendly, affordable meals, no matter what time of day or what kind of food visitors order. The Gainesville Diner is located at 14674 Lee Highway in Gainesville and is open 7 days a week. Call 571-248-2179 or follow them on Facebook.