Chris' Big Plate Diner drawing rave reviews in Galion

GALION - The sign outside proclaims "best food in Galion."

"That was there before we bought it, and we've had people tell us it's even better now," co-owner Lauri Armstrong said.

The Armstrong family took over the Big Plate Diner, 217 Harding Way East, in June 2015. It's now known as Chris' Big Plate Diner. Christopher Armstrong is the head cook. The 26-year-old studied culinary arts at Hocking College.

Lauri and Scott Armstrong were looking for a place for their son, who had worked at an Upper Sandusky diner with similar hours. Chris' Big Plate Diner is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

"We almost bought a Dairy Queen-type place in Crestline," Lauri Armstrong said.

The Armstrongs settled on the Big Plate Diner after spotting an ad on Craigslist.

"This is a good size," she said. "We just wish our kitchen was bigger. To try to keep up with the amount of business that we have is our biggest challenge."

Lauri Armstrong spent 33 years as a teacher, most of it at River Valley, before retiring last May. About two weeks later, Chris' Big Plate Diner opened.

"If you don't own your own business, you're part-time," she said.

The building, which sits in the heart of downtown Galion, has a lengthy history that dates to 1915, when it was Miller News, Schaefer Dry Goods.

The site has been everything from a shoe store to a beer garden to a pizzeria.

Christopher Armstrong said he can see himself at the same location in the next five to 10 years. The 2008 Upper Sandusky graduate attended Galion schools until fifth grade.

"I've always enjoyed cooking with my grandma," he said.

Chris said his diner offers several favorites, including omelets for breakfast and meat loaf or spaghetti for lunch specials.

"I try not to have the same ones every week," he said, adding he has experimented with a Reuben casserole.

Other favorites include French onion soup and clam chowder.

When there's a lull in the action, Chris likes to come out to the dining room to get feedback from customers. If Tuesday morning was any indication, he doesn't get many complaints.

Melissa Frary, of Crestline, was back for the second day in a row.

"I had this omelet that was amazing," she said. "I think this is going to be our new spot to go. It's worth the drive, that's for sure."

Frary said she posted rave reviews on Facebook and Google.

"My grandma said this is the first place that tastes like home," she said.

Shane Shipley, of Galion, is a regular.

"I'm in here about every morning for breakfast," he said. "The service is always great; the food is always top of the line, and the atmosphere is nice.

"I'd give it five stars out the door."

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

Twitter: @MNJCaudill