Bon Ton Diner owners Sue and Mark Blake are counting on support from the community in keeping the 73 year-old business open. The restaurant nearly closed after being on the auction block in December. An outcry from local residents encouraged the Blakes to undertake operating the restaurant. Once they visited the place and saw the friendly atmosphere it was obvious they wanted to give it a try.

One son, Michael, lives here in Putnam County. Even though their three daughters all live out of state, they are offering ideas, suggestions and support to their parents. One has even designed the new menus.

The Bon Ton has its share of regular customers who continue to come not just for the good food but also for the community and friendship offered by the little restaurant.

Currently, the restaurant is open Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. - 1:30 on Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Homemade pies are one of their specialties. They also offer all you can eat fried catfish on Friday and Saturday nights as well as a great prime rib on Saturday night too. They have a breakfast menu that includes everyone's favorite morning foods with items like biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon, sausage and hotcakes.

Their lunch menu has meatloaf and beef Manhattans and fried chicken and all the standard sandwiches. Some people say the star of the Bon Ton is their Bon Ton Deluxe. Others insist it is the delicious baked fresh everyday homemade pies. They even offer sugar free pies.

With the addition of debit/credit card acceptance comes gift cards. What a great gift idea for family and friends in the area.

One of the newest changes at the Bon Ton is the switch to non-smoking. Mark & Sue and all employees invite everyone to come try the food and enjoy the atmosphere.