by Izamary Rios

    Evan and Nina Gluckman are the owners of Main Street Cafe located on the corner of Fifth and Main St.. The Gluckman’s have owned Main Street Cafe for about 24 years now. Evan graduated from college with a journalism degree, but decided to work in the food industry where he was inspired to eventually open his own restaurant.

    When the Gluckman’s first moved to Grand Junction they were surprised that there were no diners around since they are so common around the country and that was what inspired Main Street Cafe. Mr. Gluckman explained their busiest times are Saturdays and Sunday mornings. Their most popular items on the menu are their burgers.

      “We pretty much never had any downfalls,” Mr. Gluckman said, “We’ve been pretty up almost every year, except 2008 and 2009, but everyone got hit those years. Since we had that price point we were able to hang in there through the crisis.” Main Street Cafe has a retro theme. A lot of the decor on the walls was either donated or belongs to the Gluckman’s. They have an original drawing of the first whimpy burger by Tom Hatten, the creator of Popeye.

    They also have one of the select few Colorado ski license plates. Gluckman has been offered $1,000 dollars for those license plates, but they do not want to sell their original decor.

    “I have worked here for a year and six months and I really like it,” server Emily Stull said, “I really like the staff. Everyone gets along and communicates well. The bosses are very understanding. I have another job and they work with me, so I really enjoy it.”

    Mr. Gluckman explained they have had a difficult time reaching out to students, but they would like get more students in. Most of their customers consist of the general public. The Gluckman’s have had a few offers to buy their cafe, but they hope to continue there for a few more years.