There are big changes coming to Joseph City’s eateries in the not-too-distant future. Esther’s Diner, a favorite local dining establishment located on Main Street will be closing its doors on July 14 after four years of operation and the location will become the new home for Mr. G’s Pizza & Soda Shop. Mr. G’s is currently located on Second North and first opened in 1998 and was established under the operation of Bryan and Jane Gardner. Last year Julie Fields and her family purchased the restaurant continuing a community tradition of family-owned restaurants.
Although Esther’s Diner will be closing its doors, the Pattersons will be opening an ice cream parlor, bakery and sweet shop right next door in November. “We are so thankful for the support, but with some life changes we now have the opportunity to move into a new direction,” stated Esther Patterson. The new shop will have a new name and new offerings, but will still include some old favorites including soft serve ice cream, and MariJo’s cookies, along with soups, rolls and fresh baked loaves of white, wheat and artisan breads made by Bill. Patterson is also planning to offer the community bulk orders of items such as butter, eggs, milk and flour. “Barbecue is not out of the question, we’re just deciding if we want to provide it as packaged for take home,” stated Patterson.
Mr. G’s is also planning to expand its menu and hours of operation with a menu that already includes pizza, subs, wings, salads, gluten-free options with their pizza crusts, and of course “dirty” sodas. They may also be adding French fires, onion rings and fried zucchini. The changes will mean that Mr. G’s will be closed for a brief period of time as they move to the new location.
For these ladies, it’s not just about great food, it’s an opportunity to serve their community and those who know their delicious food is worth the drive from pretty much anywhere else. Fields said, “It’s going to be a lot of change but we’re excited. We just ask that people be patient, it’ll be worth the wait.”
