When I was younger, my parents would always take my brother and me to the Boulevard Diner. We would get a booth, and my brother and I would proceed to be entranced by the miniature jukeboxes seated at each other. Our parents would introduce us to artists like Queen and Led Zeppelin while we ate wonderfully delicious meals. I may be biased when I say this, but the Boulevard Diner is a place you can feel at home. The staff are always friendly, and the general manager and owner, Marc Tsakaris, really puts his heart into making sure not only his patrons are taken care of, but his staff are too. When you walk into the Boulevard Diner, you are, without a doubt, going to receive exceptional services and delicious meals.
Interview with Boulevard Diner and Marc Tsakaris
1. Question: How long have you worked at the Boulevard Diner?
Answer: I have been working at the diner since 2001.
2. Question: What is your position at the Boulevard Diner?
Answer: Once I graduated college, I took over operations at the Boulevard Diner.
3. Question: What are some of the biggest issues you face, day-to-day, running a diner?
Answer: Besides the recent pandemic and flooding issue, there have not been any major stand-out issues. There are, of course, minor day-to-day problems that need fixing, and there is always the stress of making sure there is enough staff to cover the diner, but nothing major. Because I tend to handle problems as soon as they arise, I save myself and my employees from a lot of unnecessary stress.
4. Question: In your opinion, what is the best aspect of working in the restaurant industry?
Answer: Personally, besides the restaurant allowing me to meet so many wonderful people, I love the multitasking aspect the most. There is always something to do or improve upon.
5. Question: How long has the Boulevard Diner been open for?
Answer: We’ve been operating since 2001. However, 2003 was when I started to take a more direct role in the diner, working part-time while I was in school. After graduating from college, I decided to focus all my attention and efforts on the restaurant.
6. Question: If you didn’t have to work, why would you still come into the office?
Answer: Without a doubt. On top of missing those I work with, I would miss out on the restaurant atmosphere. For me, the atmosphere has this crazy intensity that never gets boring, making each day a different challenge, something I find incredibly enjoyable.
7. Question: What is something you used to believe but no longer do?
Answer: Back when I first started working at the diner, I was either in the kitchen or working as a busboy or food runner. When I used to look at the diner, I grossly underestimated how complex and overwhelming it could be. Running a restaurant requires constant care and maintenance. Even when I am not at the diner, I am still working, either by creating new menu items or operating our social media pages.
8. Question: If there was one message you could share with the world, what would it be?
Answer: That’s a tricky question but, I believe my best answer would have to be what my grandfather always said. Find something you genuinely love to do, and you won’t work a day in your life. Every day I come into work, I am reminded of the validity of his words.
9. Question: How can people get in contact with you or with the Boulevard Diner?
Answer: I run our Instagram, Facebook, and even an old-school AOL email address (blvdoffice@aol.com). However, you could also always just come up to the diner yourself and ask to speak with me! So don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
The Family Diner
The Boulevard Diner is more than just your run-of-the-mill, standard diner. It is a passion project filled with enthusiasm, character, and love. The warm atmosphere paired with the wonderfully delicious meals makes this diner a must-stop restaurant. So please do yourself a favor, stop into the Boulevard Diner and find out why some of the best restaurateurs, such as Guy Fieri, have chosen to give it five stars! The Greater Dundalk Chambers of Commerce would like to thank Marc and the Boulevard Diner for their time to conduct this interview and their continued effort to make Dundalk a fantastic, family-oriented location for all to enjoy!
