Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 12/05) - Creating a bright, clean environment for customers Lynn Huang and her husband Hoa Ngo have in their restaurant each day is very important business.

Recent renovations in the 50th Street restaurant reflect that commitment.

"It's very nice here right now.

"I always do my best in keeping the customer happy," Huang said.

"I invite everybody to join us and to talk together and have fun. I'm happy to do that," she said.

During the floor-to-ceiling renovations, Huang said her main goal was to brighten up the seating area which has a capacity for about 70 patrons. The restaurant was only closed for about a day and a half while the work was done.

New carpet replaced the old and a fresh splash of paint and vinyl on the walls highlight the freshly varnished wood wainscotting.

Even the metal chairs are covered in new red vinyl.

"It looks better and cleaner for people," she said. "Customers say, 'something is different, it's all brightened up.'"

With the renovations in the seating area costing "thousands" of dollars, Huang said the renovations were done in stages since they purchased the restaurant in December 2001.

The bathroom and the kitchen were also renovated.

Always busy, Huang said her customers range from the coffee crowd to the lunchtime customers and people in search of The Diner's the well-known breakfast.

"Everybody knows that for breakfast, you go to The Diner," she said.

Because so many groups of people arrive at once, she said the long tables provide a good spot for everyone to sit and socialize with conversation and eating.

While the menu and prices have remained virtually the same, Huang said she plans to add a salad bar buffet section for health-conscious customers.

"I tried to make that a new item."