Sam’s Diner reopens in Holley to delight of community

‘It’s been great catching up with everybody.’

Photos by Tom Rivers: Lauren Ault serves a group of Holley girls food this afternoon at Sam’s Diner. Ault started at the diner about a decade ago. She and many other employees were grateful to be back at Sam’s for its reopening today. The restaurant had been closed since March 1, 2024 when the back wall collapsed at the historic building.

HOLLEY – It was a glorious, much anticipated day in Holley today. The village’s beloved diner reopened after being closed more than 18 months.

Many of the familiar friendly faces were back working at Sam’s, and customers were very happy to see them and settle in the cushioned seats in one of the booths.

Some of the staff at Sam’s Diner pose for a photo this afternoon on the reopening of the popular restaurant in Holley’s Public Square. In front from left include Dena Torcello from Skytab, Brittany Dearcap, Lauren Ault and Angela Gitsis. Back row: Jennifer Tardge, owner George Gitsis, Kim Hodom and Dave DiSalvo.

Sam’s was forced to close on the morning of March 1, 2024 when the back wall collapsed. That brick wall towered three stories and fell into a pile of rubble. No one was injured in the incident.

George Gitsis thanked contractors for making the necessary repairs to the wall of the historic building at 55 Public Square. He appreciates the community’s patience and their love for the diner established by his late father Sam Gitsis in 1978.

Sam’s had a soft reopening today without advertising, but it didn’t take long for word to spread it was back.

The community gave about $35,000 in a GoFundMe that Gitsis gave to his employees who were out of jobs after the restaurant had to close more than 18 months ago.

The back wall has been rebuilt, a new kitchen and register system put in and some cosmetic improvements. But to the delight of the customers coming in, Sam’s still feels very much like the last time they stepped inside.

Many of the employees are back. They stayed in touch with Gitsis and were eager to return to Sam’s.

Kim Hodom has worked as a waitress at Sam’s for 25 years. She was happy to reconnect with so many people today.

“It’s been great seeing all the past customers,” she said. “We missed them. It’s been great catching up with everybody.”

These high schoolers from Holley gathered at Sam’s this afternoon. They said they had fond memories of Sam’s and are grateful to have a place to meet in Holley and have a bite to eat.

“It’s very cozy,” said Haidynn Mullins.

From left include Mia Thom, Ava Moiser, Mya Brown, Angellina Church, Haidynn Mullins and Philomena Arnold.

The back brick wall collapsed on March 1, 2024 putting the future of Sam’s Diner in doubt. The wall has been repaired and other improvements have been made to the diner.

Sam’s reopened at 11 a.m. today. It will be open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Sam’s wanted a soft opening to get staff a chance to get back in the groove of serving the public.

George Gitsis has been a presence at Sam’s since he was a kid with his father running the diner.

George highlighted the work of contractors Joe Penna, Steve Morgan, Sub-Zero and J&J Electric in getting Sam’s Diner repaired and upgraded.

He knows the diner is important in the heart of Holley, and he is happy to reopen for the customers.

“I’ve been here pretty much my whole life,” he said. “We appreciate the support of this community.”

Angela Gitsis, George’s wife, also was happy to see so many customers back in the diner.

“They all came in with huge smiles,” she said. “They were very happy and excited. Everyone feels at home when they walk in here.”