By the Brook Diner (People of Interest)

What began as a “my dream and your nightmare” situation ended up in a family oriented and maintained diner. By the Brook Diner is owned by sisters Mary Lou Kearney and Patricia Baldwin.

The sisters, while very close in personalities, had very different goals in life.

While Baldwin’s trade was in the plastic molding business, Kearney always wanted to own her own diner. This was made possible when the two entered into business with each other and opened By the Brook Diner in March.

“I had to do this one time in my life,” says Kearney of her lifelong dream. Kearney gives credit to Baldwin for helping her in her dream.

Baldwin was laid off from her job and needed work. Kearney was able to help her sister while Baldwin was returning the favor.

With the help of their whole family, Kearney’s dream was finally realized. Kearney’s brothers pitched in with contractor experience to help remodel the building located at 3249 Milton Ave in Fairmount.

“It was fun,” explained Kearney. Most of the family was involved in the remodeling and the making of the restaurant. Kearney and Baldwin both have children who now work in the diner and even a nephew who works in the kitchen.

The restaurant has seating for about 50. It is decorated to reflect the lives of those who have helped to establish the place. From the many toy cars and trucks that represent the late father of Kearney and Baldwin, to the Life articles posted over all one wall, the family is represented in every aspect of the restaurant.

There are puzzles and knick knacks all over. It makes a very homey and quaint setting; a setting that anyone would feel at home with.

Kearney and Baldwin grew up just around the corner from where the diner is now located. They both grew up in a very influential Italian home with a love a food and cooking.

“Everything at the diner is just like home cooking,” Kearney stated. Baldwin added that, “nothing at all comes from a can.”

“We are very giving and caring,” says Kearney. “We’re real people.”

Both sisters get deeply involved in the restaurant and do most of the cooking themselves. While Baldwin makes a great short order cook and does a lot of the baking, Kearney is great at making the specials, including the homemade soups.

“With the support of family, the restaurant is doing very well,” Baldwin states.

Kearney designed the logo that dons the menus. Most people have derived that the two fish jumping out of the brook are representative of Kearney and Baldwin.

Most of the regulars at the restaurant are from the neighborhood. “Our customers become like family,” Kearney stated.

By the Brook is a very open and friendly atmosphere. Involving their families in the building of the restaurant, Kearney and Baldwin continue that family involvement with their customers. Everyone who enters is treated with the homemade hospitality the sisters grew up around.

“Our grandmother was a fabulous Italian cook and she taught us everything she knew,” brag the sisters.

The restaurant is open Tuesday thru Thursday for breakfast and lunch from 6am to 2pm, on Friday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6am to 8:30pm and Saturday and Sunday for breakfast from 7am to 12:30pm. “We’re closed Mondays because we need a day off,” Kearney jokes.

The breakfast menu includes pancakes, French toast, and omelets. By the Brook is also known for their homemade hash and home fries. They also have a breakfast fretta that can come in a wrap.

The lunch menu ranges from homemade soups and salads to sandwiches and burgers. This also includes the Friday specials of haddock dishes and homemade macaroni and cheese.

Patrons can reach By the Brook on Facebook and also by email at bythebrookdiner@hotmail.com. The restaurant also does take out for small or large orders, just call 315-299-6890.

By Alisha Tondro, for Table Hopping – with Central New York Nightlife!

Published in December 2010 in Syracuse, NY