Amanda Wihby

“We cater to all walks of life. There is a seat for everybody at the counter. And what's more American than that? I think that tradition is important, and I think it'll stay alive.”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby emphasizes that the classic American diner tradition remains important and enduring.

“When the governor closed us down, we didn't have keys,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby recalls having to find keys to lock up when pandemic mandates took effect.

“I could be sitting here next to the governor on one side and maybe a nurse or someone in construction on the other side,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby illustrates the diner's diverse mix of patrons sitting side by side.

“We sit and find solutions and troubleshoot and find a way to squeeze out the bottom line wherever we can, but not by cutting our quality,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby talks about finding operational efficiencies without lowering food quality.

“It could just be a regular who has nowhere else to go and wants to come in for a warm cup of coffee and a smile and maybe sit back and watch some of the entertainment that happens,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby describes the diverse late-night crowd that visits the Red Arrow Diner.

“and now he's got a family with kids, and he's running our Londonderry location,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby highlights a general manager who advanced from dishwasher to running a location.

“They know customers either by name or what they eat. Someone will walk in and they're like, 'Oh, there's a chicken-fried steak and sausage gravy,' instead of their name. They banter with the customers and create memories. And that's why people keep coming back.”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby describes how employees recognize repeat customers and build lasting connections.

“You have your first responders and people coming off [the] third shift, travelers, and, of course, there are the people who are coming out of the bars. … It's important for us to be here for them. And now that it's becoming a rare thing to be [open] 24 hours for diners, I feel like it just makes the Red Arrow that [much more] special.”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby explains the importance of staying open 24 hours to serve late-night patrons.

“We had never closed the restaurants, so we were struggling to find the keys to lock the door.”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby explains that they struggled to lock the doors because the diner had never closed before.

“We are blessed to have the best employees in the business,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby expresses gratitude for the diner's dedicated staff.

“the focal part of the community,”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

Amanda Wihby emphasizes the central role of diners within their local communities.

“We cater to all walks of life. There is a seat for everybody at the counter. And what's more American than that?”

Amanda Wihby · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-21

A pull quote emphasizes the diner's welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life.