Business of the Week: Dorry’s Diner

It’s a place “Where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came.” Just like the theme song from the TV sitcom Cheers, Dorry’s Diner is a local hangout where people come to eat, chat and generally feel at home. The only difference is Dorry tops off your coffee mug, not your beer mug, and home-style cooking by Chef Lukie keeps the breakfast, lunch and early dinner crowd coming back.

Dorry Dimos and partner Dupera Luctamar (Chef Lukie) have been in business at468 Mamaroneck Avenuesince July 1, 2005. Before that they ran the Church Street Café in White Plains’ downtown for almost 10 years.

“We made the move to this end of town because we were looking for a better location,” Dorry says. At the time there was a diner featuring coal-fired pizza that was on the way out and people missed the homey environment of Herbie’s, the luncheonette that had been at the location previously. “It was dead in the beginning. We had more workers than customers, but things turned around in about six months and we tripled our business,” Dorry remembers. “At first we were called the City Diner Restaurant, but people always said, ‘We’re going to Dorry’s,’ and eventually we changed the name.”

While Dorry can be seen taking orders, pouring cups of coffee and commiserating with customers about the weather, politics, and life in general in the front of the restaurant, Chef Lukie maintains his post in the kitchen. He says his specialties include Chicken Franchaise, Chicken Marsala, Penne a la Vodka with chicken, and soups. He loves to make soups, often adding spices to give a flavorful Caribbeanflair to some recipes. Chef Lukie also works as a cook at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains.

Nicole Stevens, Dorry’s daughter, takes orders and is never remiss about topping off a cup of coffee that needs a refill. She proudly notes how she worked her way up in the business, now a senior member of the staff. Dorry’s has a collection of individual ceramic mugs started by Nicole. “I purchased the first few for special customers,” Nicole says. “Now we give everyone a different mug. I try to make appropriate selections for people ordering coffee. They always read what’s on the mug.”

The Dorry’s menu features daily specials and diner regulars such as burgers with fries, macaroni and cheese, salads, sandwiches and a breakfast selection. “We offer a $3.75 breakfast special with two large eggs, potatoes, toast and unlimited coffee. Add bacon for an additional dollar,” Dorry says, adding, “That’s a pretty good price.”

Dorry and Chef Lukie pride themselves on the fresh food they serve. “Only the highest quality,” they both agree.

During the course of the interview with The White Plains Examiner, customers came and went, many sitting at the counter, greeting each other with a high five or comment on the winter chill outside. Mothers and fathers arrived with children, the younger ones enjoying the high seats at the counter.

Dorry’s offers access to free wi-fi service. There are outlets along the wall at each table, where Dorry says customers plug in and sometimes spend hours conducting business, setting up an office for the day.

Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. a group of table talkers takes up residence in a section of the dining area. The group, initiated by former pastor of Memorial United Methodist Church, Joe Agne and White Plains resident Julie Davis Carran, has been growing over the years. Fondly known as Tuesdays @ Dorry’s the group features guest speakers each week who talk on a subject while dinner is served.

Dorry credits Agne and Carran for doing much to help the business. Not immune to the tough economic times, people who have made Dorry’s a home away from home do what they can to help the business keep on going.

On the wall near the register is a photo gallery featuring customers and special guests who have visited the restaurant. It is fondly referred to as the Wall of Shame. Dorry invites everyone to come and take a look, strike up a conversation, enjoy some good food and become part of the family.

Dorry’s Diner, 468 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Call (914) 682-0005.