SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – When Al’s Village Diner closed and the space was left vacant, property owner Ellen Hilleges, decided to renovate the building.
“It looked like a ghost town,” Hilleges said. “I couldn’t let this building go to waste, so I took a peak and right away wanted to start remodeling it.”
Hilleges installed an air-conditioning unit, remodeled the countertops and hung lively paintings on the brick walls before realizing the building felt like a second home. Five months later, Hilleges is ready for the grand opening of Ellie May’s Diner.
As excited as she is, nerves are more prevalent than any other emotion; the former nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital has never worked at a restaurant before.
“I’m very nervous, very nervous,” Hilleges said. “I’ve never worked as a waitress, I’ve never worked in a restaurant, and I have no experience. I’ve always been a nurse.”
Hilleges has only ever helped her husband Brad Hilleges, as he owns the sports bar Brad’s Extra Innings located behind the diner. For Ellen, she said she hopes running her own restaurant will add a sense of connection within the Syracuse community.
“I just want to get the people in East Syracuse back together again, and so I just couldn’t give it up,” Hilleges said.
The diner will only serve breakfast for the first week. Hilleges hired two cooks and the restaurant has 11 employees. Head Cook Brent Hidges has worked as a cook for 12 years, and is very excited to begin working at Ellie May’s.
“I’m glad that Ellen gave me a chance to be here,” Hidges said. “I like cooking, that’s what I do, I love cooking breakfast more than having to do dinner so I’m very happy about that.”
The diner is located at 508 W. Manlius St. There will be regular hours after this week, they will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday to Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday.
