The more things change, the more they stay the same.
That’s the case with what was formerly The Slider Café, which has a new name, new menu, and new throw-back theme.
But the serving, kitchen, promotional, and ownership/management teams at the newly christened RETRO DINER haven’t changed. (The use of all capitalized letters for the business name is also new, though.)
Levi and Kimberly Howell, who acquired the business from former owner Pat Ball and have since secured a five-year lease from landlord Jason Lindeman, remain in charge of the family-friendly, community-oriented eatery on Morris Street.
Cheery server Noelle Ford, who doubles as a vocalist with community stage productions, and seasoned kitchen staffer Jason Hubl will continue with the Howells as the “core four” at the historic venue, once home to a full-service automotive and marine fuel station and garage.
The new RETRO DINER, in fact, harkens back to the days when classic cars and trucks pulled in for fill-ups and oil changes. Kimberly, with a keen eye for art — her holiday decorations helped define the café through the years — has converted the building’s interior to a 1950s look, complete with checkered flag wallpaper, cardboard cream holders shaped as Detroit-era rides, and an expansive milkshake wall.
The music that plays in the background is akin to a Golden Oldies hit parade. Several LED displays reminiscent of old-school neon signs brighten the walls, while baked goods inspired by the fare June Cleaver served on “Leave it to Beaver” fill an amply stoked dessert table.
“We were looking for a new theme, something nostalgic,” Levi Howell said of the café’s makeover. “We did a lot of research that showed that the retro look is popular right now. So, we wanted to bring that vibe to La Conner.”
The bright, busy menu features colorful icons sure to open sleepy eyes ahead of that first cup of coffee in the morning.
Many favorite dishes from The Slider Café — the all-day breakfasts, among them — still appear, but have been renamed to fit the retro mood.
“A lot of the things that we have are the same,” he said. “It’s the same thing just with a thematic name.’
Not the same, by any stretch, is the café’s new milkshake bar. Twenty different flavors are available, each topped with an ice cream bar. Kimberly got the idea for those supreme shakes from her time as a bartender.
“With a Bloody Mary,” she explained, “you can top them with mini burgers, fries, and bacon, turning it kind of a brunch thing. Since we don’t serve alcohol, I thought we could do something like that with our milkshakes.”
Thus, the RETRO DINER “whole meal in a shake” menu option was born. The Braves Meal Shake is especially popular, which can include pancake, hashbrowns, and fruit. The lunch shake staples are corndog, fries, and onion rings. Two dollars from each sale goes to a fundraiser for the La Conner School District.
“We have a lot of fun helping the school, our firefighters, and the community,” Levi said. “We had free pancakes for dads on Father’s Day. And we’ve donated to (daughter) Anna’s class.”
The Howells said their plans to transition the café to RETRO DINER have been about a year in the making.
They didn’t just look to the past for inspiration. They are embracing technology with an increased social media presence, having launched a website, Facebook page, and online video format. That’s in keeping with their goal of reaching folks of all ages.
“It’s like what it says on the website and Facebook,” quipped Levi. “All children and pets are welcome here, and well-behaved adults are accepted.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
