History of Larry’s II Restaurant

     Larry’s Diner was first known as Jim and Larry’s on Landis Avenue and established in 1949.  Larry Catti, the original owner sold his business to Bob and Denise Middleton in October of 1975.

         Denise & Bob met in July 1973 while working together at the Spartan Diner in Deptford.  Bob was a short order cook. Denise was a waitress earning her way through college. Bob (26) and Denise (21) having just been married in January 1975 found themselves in quite an eventful year.  First getting married, then purchasing a restaurant.  In 1977, Denise now in her first year of teaching and also working weekends at the diner became pregnant with their first of three children, Bob III. Then two years later Ryan was born and five years later Ashley followed.  Bob III graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Hotel and Restaurant Institutional Management.  In June of 2000 we were pleased to have Bob join us in the family business.  Ryan graduated from the University of Delaware with a BA in Communications and is living in San Diego working for a Computer Solution Company.  Ashley attends Vineland High School and will be graduating this year.

   Larry’s Diner in 1981 introduced a salad bar and in 1984 was completely renovated, including a new kitchen, dining area and salad bar.  In early 1987, we had decided to purchase an additional location on Main road.  It had originally been a Hardees Restaurant but was at the time a donut shop.  Total renovations and an additional banquet facility for additional seating and private parties were completed for the opening of Larry’s II Restaurant in October of 1987.  After one year of operating two restaurants we realized that we needed to concentrate our efforts on Larry’s II and decided to sell Larry’s on Landis Ave.

     In 1992, an opportunity presented itself to purchase the strip mall and property adjacent to the restaurant.  In 1997 the plans to develop the property and also make changes to Larry’s II with more seating, new restrooms, salad bar and a new kitchen for our growing catering needs, were completed.  The property now known as Vineland Commons, also provides a home for the Oak and Main Surgical Center and Jersey Panel/Baruffi Brothers business office.

A Note of Thanks

     All of the above could not have happened without all of you, our loyal customers and friends.  We have enjoyed serving you for all of these years, sharing our lives with you and you sharing your lives with us.  Larry’s II Restaurant has always meant family.  We will continue to strive to provide you with a clean establishment, good service, friendly employees and good food.  If we fail in any of these areas, please do not hesitate to let us know.  We appreciate your patronage and thank you from our hearts.  May God bless all of you and your families.

             Bob & Denise Middleton