Lily’s Diner


Get to know Lily’s Diner
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October is National Women’s Small Business Month, and we are shining a spotlight on some of our local small business clients.

Today, we’re talking to Lynne Hammatt, owner of Lily’s Diner in Chatham.

Lynne Hammatt owns Lily's Diner in ChathamLynne Hammatt has loved to cook since she was a child and dreamed of opening a diner. Lynne cooks from the heart, using her mom’s recipes and she’s perfected a few of her own.

Lynne had a fulfilling career in banking, raised a family, and other pursuits over the years, but her love of cooking never dimmed. When Sandi’s Diner in Chatham was for sale, Lynne knew it was meant for her.

Lynne bought the restaurant in March 2020, giving it a new name: Lily’s Diner, named after her beloved pup Lily Mae. After making it her own, Lily’s Diner officially opened in April 2020.

The timing was difficult because of the pandemic, and Lynne had to adapt quickly. The diner was long known as a breakfast joint, but that model just didn’t work thanks to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Lynne, who loves to make hearty, delicious, family-friendly meals, knew she wanted to offer dinner, but expected that to be a “down the road” thing after the business was established. However, to-go comfort food was exactly what diners craved during the pandemic.

As restrictions eased, Lily’s Diner expanded from to-go meals to outside dining and then welcomed diners inside. Today, Lily’s Diner offers breakfast and lunch with dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Of course, you can still get your favorite meal to go. Popular meals include, but aren’t limited to, chicken potpie, meatloaf with real mashed potatoes and gravy, plus twice baked potatoes.

And while you’re at Lily’s Diner, don’t forget to check out the popular pet wall of fame. Lily Mae’s photo is there among the lovingly framed photos of customers’ pets. If you’d like to have your pet featured, send a photo along with some info about the pet to WeloveourdogsatLilysDiner@gmail.com.

Want to learn more about a Lily’s Diner? Follow them at these links:

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