Edwina Tries… Working at a Dinor

Contributed

Have you ever worked in food service? If you have, you know it is often physically and mentally exhausting work. This month Edwina gave it a try, working a few shifts at Shirley’s Restaurant, which is now under the new ownership of former food truck owner Jennifer Bayhurst.

Full disclosure: Jennifer Bayhurst is my favorite restaurant owner. She has also been my favorite food truck owner, my favorite kindergarten teacher, and my favorite housemate. She is, in general, one of my favorite people. I have called her "bestie" for years. Late last year, when she decided to take over Shirley's from the retiring previous owner Lynn Fogle, I knew it was a great idea.

Jen previously ran the successful STO LAT Kitchen food truck, worked in the service industry throughout college, and her family has a history of cooking delicious food for generations. It's never a surprise to see her parents, cousins, friends, or her children hanging around or lending a helping hand. When my partner and I recently went to Shirley's for breakfast, I thought, "Hey, it might be fun to work here a day or two a week." So I asked my friend if she needed any help.

In my youth, I worked in many restaurants. In my 20s, I could work a double shift like nobody's business, then sleep a couple of hours and do it all over again the next day. In my 50s? Man, oh man… the work is fun but hard. I helped at the register, bussed tables, greeted and seated guests, and rolled silverware. I worked two short and sweaty shifts. I felt like I had great workouts, and that was about all I had in me; I couldn't hang. But that made it all the easier to appreciate the reputation Jen has so dutifully managed to uphold.

Shirley's gets busy, but it is worth the wait; the staff is friendly, fast, and they run the place like a well-oiled machine. You'll often see the lovely owner in the expo window or cooking, always with a smile and totally in her element. In addition to classic breakfast and lunch diner fare, Jen has added Polish dishes and Polish flair to standard faves. There's a little something for everyone.

Stop in sometime soon. I may not be working, but I could be in the corner booth having breakfast and lots of hot, fresh coffee.

Shirley's Restaurant is located at 5924 Old French Road. Open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed Tuesdays) and Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last orders taken 20 minutes before close.

Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com