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VisitingNewEngland.com Dining Reviews >>> Shawmut Diner Closes Shawmut Diner Memories, Forever  Article and photos by Eric H.
This was the ultimate classic diner, a place that you'd feel welcome the moment upon entering the parking lot -- a neon sign and chrome facade have that initial effect. Once opening the door to the Shawmut Diner, true diner nirvana embraced the customer. Regulars representing all walks of life kept the 30-plus year conversation flowing amongst each other and with owners Phil and Celeste Paleologos, family and staff. Waitresses brought out heaping plates of comfort foods that looked like something out of a food magazine. The warm aroma of coffee permeated the dining car the way it always should in a real, honest-to-goodness diner. Pots and pans clanged from the kitchen, service was always quick, efficient, friendly and "local," and retro top 40 music played in the background to further augment what an overwhelmingly joyous diner atmosphere. In a growingly hostile, fast-paced and shallow society, the Shawmut Diner also served as a shield, of sorts, to the world -- almost like an unofficial gathering place that focused on things that mattered most to many locals. A sense of community, the beauty of face-to-face conversation, traditional values, and a love for the American spirit saturated every square foot of this National Register of Historic Places 1953 diner. Not to mention delicious food! Something felt slightly different, though, about the Shawmut Diner on its final day, as some customers shed tears and others were hugging Phil and Celeste with such strong embrace -- and, often, physically not wanting to let go of those hugs. The emotions brewed as strongly and with as much frequency as the coffee. I felt the pain, too -- with a knot in my stomach, a tear in my eye and assorted sad feelings -- while driving 50 miles from the north on this cold, rainy day. Why do the best places to eat have to be taken away? First, the Hilltop Steak House in Saugus, Mass., then Christo's in Brockton, Mass., now the Shawmut Diner. However, once inside the Shawmut Diner, the inclement weather day gave way to eternal sunshine as, ultimately, collective happiness and joy trumped sadness. Just like in "It's a Wonderful Life" or the people from Whoville, no one seemed to be consistently down and out about something soon to be gone. They just enjoyed the moment. So did Phil...  The elderly hostess greeted me with a hushed voice, as if she was saying "Don't tell anyone, but I'm going to go the extra mile for you -- and only you -- to make you feel at home." Phil and Celeste were clearly emotional, at times, but stayed focus to interact with customers the way they had always done. Their son, Alex, affably greeted and conversed with regulars and newcomers like they were family. None of the staff seemed upset in front of the customers and conducted business to the best of their abilities. Imagine these personal touches on the last day in business -- it speaks volumes about the class and dignity of the Shawmut Diner and all those involved in making it a one-of-a-kind place. Ultimately, customers loved the way Phil, Celeste and family gave them something so special in the form of a diner. The Paleologos family indeed put their own stamp on the Shawmut Diner, thus elevating the presence of a this long-standing dining concept to its highest level. For the record, I met Phil many years ago on a work-related project and was immediately impressed by his gracious manner, great listening skills and personal pride. You don't meet many people like Phil, anymore -- he is a rare person, in the best sense, filled with kindness, a genuine interest in people and a love for his country. I know these humane elements will translate well into retirement. So now, the Shawmut Diner space will give way to a convenience store and the Diner will be put into storage until someone -- preferably locally -- purchases and reopens this landmark place in a different location. We look forward to that day, but there is something far more important than that, at this moment... Best of luck in your new chapter in life, Paleologos family. You clearly worked hard for so many years and deserve more family time, travel, and whatever else your hearts desire. Phil, I look forward to continuing to listen to your afternoon radio show on WBSM AM 1420. Above all, thank-you for creating memories, being a friend to whoever came to your diner, and building something so unique and special. You not only created the prototype for how a diner should operate, but also to serve as a prime example on how humanity and a love for others are the most important element one could possess. Best wishes!
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