Rise 'N Shine Diner (People of Interest)

Even though it’s set back from the road and behind another business, the Rise-N-Shine Diner is well worth the hunt. Rise–N-Shine is located at 6393 Thompson Road in Syracuse. They are open 7 days a week from 6am to 2pm but Sunday for breakfast only.

“The diner is a hotspot for anyone nostalgic about the old Syracuse music scene. The walls are lined with local artist records from the 50s to the 70s, the jukebox is filled with more of the same and former area standouts musicians frequent the place for breakfast and lunch. The Post-Standard even referred to us as a “museum of sorts” for the past music scene,” boasts the business’s Facebook page.

Pete Hennessy, the owner of Rise-N-Shine, has been in the business most of his life. He has owned several different types of businesses including a couple of bars. He decided a little later in life that he really wanted to own a diner, and that is how he came into possession of Rise and Shine a little over 6 years ago.

“Hennessy and his staff have built up a very friendly clientele. It is the type of diner where people get together for conversation and feel very comfortable being there. Plus they get a very hearty meal. (The diner) has a different special board everyday for breakfast and lunch, which is always very tasty with generous portions,” the website http://www.sweetsoundsofsyracuse.com states.

Danielle Campolito, the manager of Rise-N-Shine, is a family friend of Hennessy. She has also been in the business for several years. “I started working in diners when I was 15 and needed some money,” explains Campolito. She also says that she tried the desk job front for a while, but got bored.

Campolito says that she loves the interactions with the customers. She also likes the environment of the diner and she’s been there for a little over a year now.

The diner brings in a very diverse crowd. Although not really populated by the college crowd, the diner does have its regulars. It also brings in people who are staying at nearby hotels and work at the businesses around it.

Many patrons have left reviews on various websites praising Rise-N-Shine. Things have been said such as, “What a great find. We were there for the Syracuse nationals and needed somewhere to have breakfast. This place was fantastic. It’s just a small place with charm and great food.”

Some of the menu items include omelets, breakfast sandwiches, stuffed French toast and great blueberry pancakes. Luncheon specials consist of several types of sandwiches and a different type of homemade soup everyday, including Manhattan and New England clam chowder every Friday.

Breakfasts start at omelets for $4.50 to $6.50. There are egg combos starting at only $1.25 for eggs and toast to $6.25 for a frittata. Lunches include sandwiches, chicken dishes, burgers and salads. Everything is served in large portions and range in price from $4.50 to $7.25.

Everything on the menu is homemade. Hennessy works in the kitchen and makes sure that everything is of high quality. All of the food is prepared fresh and local. Most of the farmers that make deliveries to Rise-N-Shine eat at the diner as well.

Some of the hot eats include the homemade fried donuts and a lot of “gravy dishes.”

“It’s like have a good home cooked meal,” says Campolito.

“We do big portions on everything so you really feel like you’re getting your money’s worth,” explains Campolito.

The diner does everything from dine in to take out and even some catering. They also deliver to most of the Syracuse area. The catering is available usually after 3pm and can be set up for dine in or a buffet style delivery. The catering can be anything from lunch meats to full size turkeys.

Even though the diner is on the smaller side, with seating for approximately 50, it is well worth the find. And many regulars agree that if the mood is for some nostalgia and good eats, Rise-N-Shine would be a good place to check out. “Once you come, you’re hooked,” brags Campolito. “So come in at least once just to see if you like it.”

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

Published in January 2011 in Syracuse, NY