“This is going to be a family business between me, my wife and my daughter,” states Seth Arnold about A.J.’s Diner, the new business he is opening with his family along Hwy. 52 in Fountain, Minn.
After purchasing the building which had been Los Gables Mexican restaurant for many years, the restaurant will be changing the decor and the menu will now focus on made-from-scratch American food.
Seth grew up in the area and has lived in Fountain for 14 years. He attended Le Cordon Bleu in Minneapolis in 2000 and has been in the food industry for 23 years, and Jordan has knowledge working in restaurants as well. Combined, they have 38 years experience in the food industry including cooking and customer service.
Seth’s daughter Audrey has experience working in a restaurant also, and she is very excited about the opening of A.J.’s Diner. After all, her name is even included in the name of the business. “A” stands for Audrey, “J” stands for Jordan and “S” stands for Seth, which becomes A.J.’s Diner.
Seth and Jordan have been busy getting everything ready to open the doors by May 8, 2019, and noted they appreciate all of the support from their family and friends. The interior walls will have fresh new colors including red, black and white.
Outdoors, they hope to add a pavilion to host live music on Sunday afternoons and add additional picnic tables to welcome families who would like to enjoy eating their meals outdoors or have a cold treat or beverage while listening to music.
The menu is described as “super simple, super fast,” according to Seth. A.J.’s Diner will offer a drive-through, delivery within two miles of Fountain, carryout, and also curbside service, which will be beneficial to those in the agriculture business during their busy times of the year.
The table service, made to order breakfast menu, served from Friday through Sunday includes favorites such as an omellete, biscuits ‘n gravy, French toast, pancakes and Belgian waffles. Breakfast kids meals will also be available.
Appetizers include fried pickles, cheese curds, onion rings and more. Soups and salads will be available and meals such as burgers, fish sandwiches, and chili cheese dogs will include fries while others include coleslaw.
Kids will love their special sized meals which include favorites like grilled cheese, chicken fritters and more, and kids of all ages will enjoy the shakes, malts and ultimate sundae for dessert. Many types of drinks, including alcoholic drinks will also be offered at the diner.
A.J.’s Diner is also available for your catering needs, no matter the occasion.
The Arnolds will use eco-friendly packaging and to-go containers. “We will be using any compostable items possible,” says Seth, and they will have a compost bin on site. “Audrey and her friends are very excited about the eco-friendly side of it,” he states.
“We are super-pumped,” about opening the business, says Seth. “We are very excited to be able to provide delivery to the local community,” adds Jordan.
The motto of A.J.’s Diner is, “Where friends meet for delicious food, fast,” and area residents mouths are surely watering as they wait to stop in and patronize the new business and support the owners in their new endeavor.
A.J.’s Diner is located at 122 U.S. Hwy. 52 in Fountain. For additional information call (507) 268-1020 or visit ajdiner.com. Business hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Tuesdays.
Leave a Reply