SPRINGFIELD – A popular Springfield diner is opening a second location in a small town outside of the city.
Lulu’s Diner is opening at 511 Carlin St. in Morrisonville.
Previously, the diner operated as Candi’s for years, serving fish sandwiches, Mexican bites and country-fried steaks with an approach facing brunch and lunch options. The business closed on Feb. 7 of this year, after a family emergency caused a sudden closure.
Two weeks later, Landi and Klori Skenderi, owners of Lulu’s Diner, posted to the Candi’s Facebook page introducing themselves as the new owners of Candi’s.
“We found that it was for sale and we got a good deal on it, so we purchased the building,” Landi Skenderi said. “We thought a Lulu’s was exactly what needed to be there.”
What can customers expect? A Springfield duplicate, essentially. The Morrisonville location will have the same decor, same menu and same taste.
The same taste of food would not be a bad thing. In 2024, the diner was featured on an episode of America’s Best Restaurants where the host was led through the kitchen and some of the Greek-inspired dishes which have landed Lulu’s as one of the top diner spots in the city.
The Skenderi’s are now working on a soft remodeling of the building, updating the interior to go from Candi’s to Lulu’s.
Will there be any changes of staff to Lulu’s after the new diner opens? Skenderi laughed and said his wife and him talk on the daily about who will be doing the 30-minute drive off of Toronto Road.
“I have a soft spot for diners that can’t make it,” Skenderi said. “Whenever she feels like punishing me I’m (going to be driving) there more.”
The new restaurant is planned to be open by summer, with the same hours as the current Lulu’s.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@usatodayco.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield’s Lulu Diner opening second location outside of the city
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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