Mostly Cloudy, 70 °F Landmark diner closes
Photo by Paul Rinkes ’94 | www.rinkesphotography.com
New Year’s Eve brings glad tidings, bright hopes for a shiny new year—and the end of an era?
Granville is still a lively little village, but there are a few changes afoot. Not only did Victoria’s Parlour close earlier this month, but on Dec. 31, the Aladdin restaurant at 122 East Broadway will close its doors as Don Snelling hangs up his apron after 45 years.
For generations of Denisonians and townspeople who have hankered after Aladdin’s old-timey diner-style fare, maybe eggs and bacon, or a burger, or a bottomless cuppa joe, or—sigh—a hot fudge cake “Yum-Yum,” this is very bad news.
The good news is that each of the buildings’ owners (one of whom is Ben Rader ’64) expect new restaurants to open in those locations early in 2011. The Aladdin could yet be reborn, or we could see something totally new and different. Either way, new traditions will be built. Meanwhile, a few days remain, so we’ll take a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne.
UPDATE: (Jan. 7, 2011) We learned late yesterday that Aladdin’s manager and chef, who just retired a week ago, has died. It’s a sad piece of news to report, but thankfully many patrons were able to stop by the restaurant during December to wish Don Snelling a fond farewell.
Related Links:
- 45 years at Granville diner coming to an end (Columbus Dispatch, Dec. 26, 2010)
- Two downtown restaurants closing in Granville (Newark Advocate, Dec. 24, 2010)
- Aladdin Restaurant chef Don Snelling retiring after 45 years (Newark Advocate, Dec. 29, 2010)
- Aladdin chef, operator dies 6 days after retiring (Newark Advocate, Jan. 7, 2011)
One Comment
11:31 AM December 28, 2010
Michael wrote:
That’s unfortunate these two fine establishments are closing down. I remember eating at Aladdins multiple times during the school year and as sort of a tradition before I leave for winter break. I hope the new restaurants that open can fill the homey and friendly environment that the old ones did.