Iain Kelly

Fiction Writing

ED’S DINER

Two eggs sunnyside up, greasy fries and plenty of ketchup. I’d cut out the red meat, doctor’s orders.

Thirty years I’ve been coming to Ed’s Diner for lunch.

The decor has stayed the same. Green leather seats, dirty orange ceiling, chipped fake marble counter.

Ed has aged along with the building, looking out through the hatch while he grills and fries the food.

Meryl was fresh-faced when I first ordered from her. Now she was looking forward to retirement.

Ed’s closes next week for refurbishment. New owners coming in. Ed and Meryl won’t be back when it reopens. Neither will I.

inside-the-diner

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Iain Kelly

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82 responses to “ED’S DINER”

  1. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Oh, nicely done Iain. Such a great atmosphere, I can almost feelt the greasy counter top! Great tale

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        My total pleasure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    Well done. Not everyone is all about: out with the old, in with the new. The familiar sometimes makes everything better. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sascha, I think I like the familiar things in life too 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sascha Darlington Avatar
        Sascha Darlington

        🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. rogermoorepoet Avatar
    rogermoorepoet

    Very nice piece. So much said in so few words.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Roger.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Joe Owens Avatar
    Joe Owens

    Sounds like a full changing of the guard Iain. It happens often.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      There’s no stopping time.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. shehannemoore Avatar
    shehannemoore

    A lots aid here, about the place , the owners and the customers xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Shehanne.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. kittysverses Avatar
    kittysverses

    A tale told well!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Kitty

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. kittysverses Avatar
        kittysverses

        Welcome Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    Love the atmosphere… somehow I feel that the next generation will have another menu….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think so, it will probably be called a bistro or something more chic.

      Like

      Reply
  8. James Avatar
    James

    I’ve known a few places like that over the years. One of a kind diners which sadly have almost all been replaced by soulless franchises.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very much for thought I had writing this. Thanks James. I need to find time and see how your alphabet story is coming along.

      Like

      Reply
  9. jellico84 Avatar
    jellico84

    excellente! Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ah, thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. hombrehompson Avatar
    hombrehompson

    The inevitable march of time and the impact that it has. Good stuff.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. michael1148humphris Avatar
    michael1148humphris

    I see this story as a lovely tribute to quite a few places where I once dined. Sadly the only real alternative, is for the proprietors to die on the job.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very true Michael. Perhaps Ed deserves a bit of a quiet retirement.

      Like

      Reply
  12. J.A. Prentice Avatar
    J.A. Prentice

    Great story! I got a powerful sense of the history of this old diner.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    Chock one up for loyalty!!!! What a delightful take. You described an old diner, with great owners, so well. Kudos.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Alicia, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
        Alicia Jamtaas

        My pleasure. Always enjoy your 100-words.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    The passing of an era, an institution. There was a pool hall here, Roger’s Rec, once Roger sold out it was never the same. You captured the spirit of the customer well, Iain. Good job.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Like

      Reply
  15. Annie Avatar
    Annie

    I could feel the air of melancholy, sense the reluctance to say goodbye to memories. A tale lovingly told, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Annie

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    I have to agree with everyone, Iain. Great atmosphere. I could almost smell the grease from the fried stuff! They just don’t make ’em like that anymore. And when they try to… they just try too hard! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dale, the downside to globalisation, we’re all eating the same things in the same places.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Barbed Words Avatar
    Barbed Words

    Lovely story, great atmosphere!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  18. neelwritesblog Avatar
    neelwritesblog

    Such great atmosherics. You have captured the onsluaght of globalsiation and the meek surrender of innocence to it. Great writing, Lian. Reading you has now become a ritual. Excellent writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Ah, very kind Neel, glad you are enjoying my efforts.

      Like

      Reply
  19. Claire Fuller Avatar
    Claire Fuller

    Some change is just no good. Lovely story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Claire.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    Sad, the end of an era.
    Yeah, I’m sure cutting out the red meat will make all the difference. Don’t worry about the greasy chips and fried eggs 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      The doctor may have requested those too, but there’s only so much a man can be expected to give up!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. yarnspinnerr Avatar
    yarnspinnerr

    Those old places were like our well worn jackets … shabby and comfortable.
    Lovely description.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. patriciaruthsusan Avatar
    patriciaruthsusan

    It wouldn’t be the same under new management, would it? Your story has a passing of generations as mine does while still being different. Great descriptions, Iain. I could see the place. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    But of sad nostalgia there Iain. Time moves on.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie, it does indeed.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. HonieBriggs Avatar
    HonieBriggs

    The end of an era, aye? I totally get it. Ed’s will never be the same without Ed, will it? Nice description. I could smell the grease. Ha!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Honie.

      Like

      Reply
  25. Covert Novelist Avatar
    Covert Novelist

    I agree with Sasha. There are certain places that are special because they are familiar and they have a feel about them. Enjoyed this.☺

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
      1. Covert Novelist Avatar
        Covert Novelist

        You are welcome indeed.

        Liked by 1 person

  26. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    Years ago I worked in a little hamburger place. It had been on the same corner for years, run and owned by Ed and Frances. The place was famous for cheap tacos and the best homemade onion rings in the world. (I made and ate plenty of them.) When Ed and Frances decided to retire and sell the place, a young man took it over and updated it. Within months he went out of business.
    Your well written story brought back these memories. I could smell the greasy french fries.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle, glad it brought back happy memories, especially the coincidental choice of name! 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  27. Sarah Potter Writes Avatar
    Sarah Potter Writes

    “New improved” is not necessarily how things are. I often dread seeing those two words on something that had nothing wrong with it in the first place. Refurbishments to establishments that have been there for decades have to be carried out with great sensitivity, if they’re not going to drive long-standing customers away. I guess that the owners of the business hope to attract a new clientele, but quite often a business goes bust because people go elsewhere whilst the place is closed, and don’t necessarily return. I’ve certainly seen this happen with shops. In fact, I’ve done an Ed and Meryl on one of my local shops recently.

    Like

    Reply
  28. goroyboy Avatar
    goroyboy

    I can hear the dishes clanking.. Order UP! Well written I enjoyed it Iian.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  29. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    When I travelled for work I would always use a transport cafe when I could. Man-sized bacon sandwiches and big mugs of tea – lovely!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sounds good!

      Like

      Reply
  30. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    The people that bought my bistro from me tried to change it. They lost an awful lot of money. People still stop me in the street and say how much they miss it. Oh well…!
    Click to read my Friday Fiction

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s nice to be missed. I hope they found somewhere else to eat!

      Like

      Reply
  31. Dahlia Avatar
    Dahlia

    A lifetime in 100 words! Very nice Iain 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. Mrs. Completely Avatar
    Mrs. Completely

    It’s not always all about the food. Sometimes it’s about who makes and serves the food. I loved your story, Iain. :o)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  33. JoHawkTheWriter Avatar
    JoHawkTheWriter

    Diners really do bring out feelings of comfort and needed predictability in a too transient world. I hate when an iconic establishment disappears. Nicely done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Jo.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  34. Sarah Ann Avatar
    Sarah Ann

    I get a great sense of sadness from this – the ending of an era and none of the characers will be better for it, I fear. Loved the descriptions – ‘dirty orange ceiling, chipped fake marble counter’ – they say so much.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Sarah Ann, glad you liked it.

      Like

      Reply
  35. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover Avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    Nicely written, you made the greasy diner come alive. Love the last line.

    Like

    Reply
  36. Emily Livingstone Avatar
    Emily Livingstone

    The story of the diner and the people who love it–I can almost taste the food! Great one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Emily 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  37. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    You’ve done an excellent job describing the setting.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. M. K. Waller Avatar
    M. K. Waller

    Dirty orange ceilings and greasy fries can be a comfort. Some things should not change.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  39. Clare Hempstead Avatar
    Clare Hempstead

    You really caught the atmosphere of the diner. It reminds me of so many English pubs that have been refurbished into modern soulless places.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Definitely a curse of modernisation.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  40. Michael Wynn Avatar
    Michael Wynn

    Well told Iain. The regret and sense of loyalty come across brilliantly

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Michael.

      Like

      Reply

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