By Amanda Decter and Hannah Mau
Canalside Chronicles Staff
If you’ve ever strolled down Main Street in Brockport, you might suddenly stop in place. A pleasant smell of freshly ground coffee and breakfast overwhelms your senses. Directly above you is a yellow sign shaped like a coffee cup. The sign reads, Coleen’s.
Once inside, you are transported to a lavish 1960’s stylized diner. The shine of florescent lights glisten off red upholstery on a row of seating booths. The red color is imitated across an array of chairs outlining a counter top bar. Sounds of friendly chitter chatter and laughter creates a jubilant atmosphere.
As you approach the counter, you are greeted by Coleen. Coleen owns and operates the diner by herself. While only open from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Coleen balances waiting, cooking, and serving each of her customers. She opens with breakfast and starts serving lunch at 11:30.
In the mist of competing with several food chains and other locally owned restaurants across the Village of Brockport, Coleen has no problem keeping business. Since 2001, Coleen has been able to consistently serve returning customers and obtain new regulars each week.
Coleen sustains so much business that a sign in her front window explains that she may not be able to accommodate large parties during her busy hours. Many of the customers are older people in the community whom claims to be “addicted” to the retro style of the diner and praise Coleen’s food.
Coleen pledges that she provides “fast, simple, homemade food.” Freshly ground coffee lures customers off the street as they pass by. Every day she creates a signature “soup of the day” and displays it on her store front menu. Ranging from chilies to chowders, Coleen makes all of her soup from scratch, along with freshly baked bread.
Her breakfast menu is composed of highly requested eggs, omelets, and pancakes. The lunch hour is popularized with her signature soup, quesadillas, and various grilled sandwiches. Coleen continues to make 42 Main Street a must-stop for hungry residents.
