Jigger's Diner Is Open Again For Business

Tom Harris was one happy man Friday morning, sitting at the counter at Jigger's Diner on Main Street with a whipped-cream-topped Belgium waffle in front of him. He'd been waiting for Jigger's to reopen for months – checking the restaurant on his daily walks up and down Main Street and clicking on the website every now and then.

When he saw the "Jigger's Is Open" sign Thursday, he knew where he'd be eating breakfast Friday.

"After Jigger’s closed, I’m searching for a restaurant – I’m going to the Beacon Diner, the Cozy Grille, different places. They never touched it," said Harris.

Jigger's had a rocky road before it closed in November 2011. Previous owner Iva Reynhout had tax problems that forced the restaurant's closure in August 2010. She was able to reopen in December 2010. The bank took the restaurant last November. It took a few months, but Karie and Steve Head took ownership of the diner in June and have been working to reopen ever since.

They said they were thrilled to finally be able to invite East Greenwichers in, but they urged a bit of patience these first days. As Steve said, "We're still learning the building, learning the flow."

Their plans for a "soft" opening were tested Friday. "We were slammed!" said Karie.

"These first few days are for the people of East Greenwich," said Steve. "This town has been unbelievably supportive."

The diner has one more table and a few more seats in the front now, and the griddle behind the counter was moved out. All the cooking now takes place in the back.

"Almost all the equipment in new," said Karie about the kitchen. She said they'd had lots of help from Stu Tucker, owner of the Wickford Diner and Tucker Seafoods.

The menu has some of the old favorites – johnnycakes, homemade hash – but Karie said she will be listening to customers in coming weeks to figure out just what the Jigger's specials should be.

Jigger's is open this weekend both days from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving breakfast only; starting on Monday, Jiggers will be open 7 days a week, 6:30-2:30 p.m. Their grand opening takes place Wednesday, Oct. 3.