Tasty Lunch diner in downtown Chatham is closing after 90 years in business. (Photo by Paul Pedro)
Chatham

Chatham diner reluctantly making way for Chinese restaurant

A longtime staple in Chatham is closing.

The Tasty Lunch diner at 79 King Street West in downtown Chatham has been forced to close its doors in June.

Owner Lori Parker has owned and operated the eatery that was first opened in 1934 for the past 13 years.

Parker told CK News Today that the new building owners plan to open a Chinese restaurant and sushi bar.

Lori's sister Jane Parker said she wishes the restaurant could stay open at the downtown location for another three or four years to take them to retirement age.

"Unfortunately, we are being forced to retire because at our age we are not going to move," said Jane.

The Parkers said the trick to their success is homemade cooking, treating customers like family, and paying attention to detail.

Dave Carey is a regular customer and said he'll certainly miss the place.

He said he came in with a friend about a year ago and stuck around because everybody became close.

"Been enjoying the atmosphere. It's like one of these places that everybody knows your name, right," Carey said.

Jack Haskell is a longtime regular at the restaurant and said he has many good memories he'll always cherish, adding The Tasty Lunch has the best burgers in town.

The last day for The Tasty Lunch is June 15, 2025.

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