Dee's Diner (People of Interest)

After moving to America in 1986 from Thailand, Panicha Papazides started working in a downtown diner as a waitress. Papazides worked in several other diners before landing a job in Mattydale working at Dee’s Diner. 15 years after starting as a waitress at Dee’s, Papazides now owns the restaurant.

Dee’s Diner is located in the Mattydale Plaza on Brewerton Road just off Route 11. The diner brags about being in a location where a patron can get in and out during any work day lunch hour.

The diner seems to be stuck in the late 60’s. From the homemade food to the atmosphere and even how patrons are treated when they walk in the door, everything about Dee’s Diner is welcoming.

There are even some black and white photos of Syracuse and the surrounding area that have been provided as art by one of the frequent patrons. One of these photos actually shows what the diner looked like back in the 50’s when it first opened.

Papazides emphasizes, almost brags, about buying produce, baked goods, and other fresh items from the community. “Even the potatoes are all hand peeled,” brags Bob Lewis, Papazides’ partner in the diner.

Papazides is a hard, dedicated worker. From the moment anyone walks in the first door, Papazides is usually the first to greet them. She not only has a lot of experience with the customers but also with the day to day of cooking, especially the daily specials.

Both Lewis and Papazides agree that the mission statement of Dee’s is simple. “Great food and a clean restaurant,” explains Lewis. He goes on to even brag of the cleanliness of the restrooms, and indeed, the whole place seems immaculate.

The menu consists of a printed version containing the basics, but there is also a hand written menu above the kitchen that always has at least 15 lunch specials never more than $5.95.

From the $1.99 breakfast special, which includes the diner’s special variety of home-fries, to the occasional lunch special of Thai cuisine, Papazides has the menu down to an art.

One can order anything from a ½ lb hamburger, eggs flourentine, a breakfast wrap, to omelettes, and all are under $8. There are even 2 daily soups.

Papazides has picked up well the art of American cooking, but she adds her own flair to the kitchen.

“We realize customers have a lot of choices, and we really appreciate repeat business,” Lewis states.

Dee’s has a friendly, at home atmosphere. The staff is small and experienced. “We put a premium on relationships with our customers,” Lewis claims.

Both Lewis and Papazides enjoy that Dee’s is a neighborhood diner and social spot. And even though the diner sees a lot of “hard-hat” crews, Dee’s prides itself on repeat business.

With some people coming all the way from Camillus or the state fair for a quick bite, to the locals who just come out for a “home cooked” meal, every patron enjoys eating at Dee’s. “They keep coming back just to see staff,” brags Papazides.

Even though most of Papazides experience with food is not formal training, the hands on experience she has helps her with dealing with customers. She prides herself on her knowledge of her customers.

She loves interaction with customers and has to say hello to everyone who walks in the front door. Papazides originally started working in a diner just for a job, but it has quickly turned into a career. “It’s important to have something to support my family,” Papazides states.

Dee’s has seating for approximately 85 and can accommodate large (12 to 16 people) parties. They also have free wi-fi and will be rolling out a website about the first of the year at www.deesdiner.com. There is also a single 46” TV to “provided the sometimes needed distraction,” Lewis claims.

And even though Dee’s is a cash only restaurant, there is an onsite ATM for customer convenience.

Dee’s is open 7 days a week from 6am to 2pm for breakfast and lunch. Dee’s encourages patron to call for daily specials at 454-9961.

“We’re kind of like cheers, we always know your name,” explains Lewis, “so come in and slow down to the speed of life.”

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

Published in November 2010 in Syracuse, NY