'Ugly Mug Diner' Clears Another Hurdle

The local couple looking to open The Ugly Mug Diner on Washington Street in Salem was awarded an annual wine and malt license at Monday's Licensing Board meeting.

Salem residents and The Lobster Shanty owners Diane and Lee Wolf announced last week that they are looking to the community for help toward opening a new diner at the former Taste of Thyme Cafe at 118 Washington St.

The couple has owned and operated the Lobster Shanty since 2007. 

The proposed eatery "is to create a fun, funky combination of old and new. The diner will offer handmade, fresh foods that are locally sourced when possible while maintaining a classic diner atmosphere with weekly specials and breakfast served all day," according to a release.

Medusa's Cafe recently opened at the location, but closed after less than three months in business.  

“Our laser-like focus on the food will set us apart from other breakfast spots,” Diane Wolf said in a release. “We’ll be a full-service diner with culinary professionals in the kitchen. We will cure our own bacon, serve farm-fresh eggs, smoke our own salmon for bagels, and whip our own cream.  We have fostered relationships with local farmers, including Maitland Mountain Farms here in Salem, to provide us with the best foods to offer our guests.”

How Can I Help The Ugly Mug?  

The Wolfs are sourcing capital from several places, including RocketHub.

The couple’s goal is to raise $50,000 through RocketHub by the end of February and they're offering incentives such as the contributor’s name engraved on a dining room chair, naming rights to a menu item, a VIP dinner for six at the diner, and an in-home cooking class for six.

What do you think about this new idea for a diner?

Let us know in the comments section below.