BRUNSWICK

There’s music again at the Brunswick Diner.

Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Creedence Clearwater Revival can be heard now that the diner’s One More Time Wurlitzer jukebox with its chrome table wall boxes has been repaired.

That jukebox — a replica of the famous 1946 model that was built in 1991 and plays 7-inch singles — is a symbol for diner owner Jane Davis that things are returning to the way they ought to be.

The diner marked its 70th anniversary in business one year ago. But what should have been a celebratory year was marred by staffing issues and other difficulties.

Like many businesses in the Midcoast, the diner also suffered a prolonged power outage following last October’s wind storm. To add insult to injury, shortly after the storm an unidentified person forced open the diner’s door and made off with an ATM; the Brunswick Diner does not accept debit or credit cards.

According to a previous Times Record report, Davis, who has owned the diner for 21 years, said she was “heartbroken,” but appreciative of the community’s support.

The ATM was soon replaced.

Staff changes at diner

After a rocky year that’s culminated in some recent staff changes, things appear to be back on track at the Pleasant Street eatery that specializes in home cooking and comfort foods.

Parting with some of the staff, Davis said, was difficult, because she had known some since their teens. “They become family,” she said.

Finding good help wasn’t easy, either. Locally owned establishments are competing for both customers and for workers against national chains, according to Davis.

“It’s a challenge, these days, to find people who want to work hard and be responsible,” Davis said.

That forced the diner to cut back its hours, closing at 2:30 p.m.

But things are looking up, according to Davis, who has hired new staff or rehired some diner veterans. And they’re open for dinner once again, closing now at 8 p.m.

In 20 years, Davis has seen a lot of restaurants come and go along Pleasant Street and in Brunswick. Ebeneezer’s pub across the street has closed. So has a short-lived barbecue joint down the street.

“It’s a difficult business to make a profit,” Davis said. “It’s really hard to make the margins. I don’t care what anyone says. With the taxes, the insurance, the real estate — now payroll has gone up so much. … We have to reinvent ourselves, and I’m hoping with this new staff we can get new ideas to get better margins … without changing our price points.

“People come here because we’re home cooking at a value price, and I don’t want to become another freakin’ expensive restaurant,” Davis added.

Brunswick has won a well earned reputation as an eclectic foodie town. Being able to offer an affordable, basic meal, Davis said, has its advantages.

“I think that’s one reason our sales have improved over the last year,” Davis said. “We may not be a gourmet restaurant, but we don’t need to be. That’s not what people come here for.”

Moe Loveitt, a cook, recently returned to the diner after 13 years, having worked for six years, originally.

“It fits my needs,” Loveitt said, regarding her return. “I care about the place. … It felt like coming home.

“I came back after 13 years and the same regulars are still here,” Loveitt added.

One of those regulars is Steve Vachon, who comes in about every morning at around 6 a.m. just for coffee.

“Where else are you going to get a decent hamburger steak?” Vachon said.

And as far as the Wurlitzer goes — attempts over 10 years to get it fixed were apparently fruitless until Davis met a customer with the skills to repair and refurbish both the jukebox and the table wall boxes.

With the jukebox spinning 45s again and the diner back open for dinner, 2018 is looking to be a better year at the Brunswick Diner.

“I think we have a great group right now,” Davis said. “I think we’re going to be all right.”

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com