Another Small Business Success Story: Darlin’s Diner Keeps Piling Up Pancakes, Awards
In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business people about what inspires them. This month’s interview is with Taylor Swenning, the owner of Darlin’s Diner in Flatonia.
1.) What is your business and anything new since the first article in “POSITIVELY INSPIRATIONAL” “Business is doing great. Darlin’s Diner has been open for four years and has received the best breakfast/brunch of Fayette County award all four years in a row. We recently opened Sala de Soul (our boutique) in October 2023 and it has been so fun to get into retail. Our little town needed retail bad, and it’s so fun to be a one stop shop for all food, drink and shop. We also have Loula’s Loft which is our event rental space above the diner which is booked out most weekends with catered private parties such as bridal/ baby showers, birthdays, company meetings and really anything. We love when people come to celebrate with us. Muffins & Mufflers 2025 is coming up on May 17th. This will be our 5th annual Classic Car Show with over 150 cars, live music, beer, food and kids activities. It is my favorite day of the year. This year we are giving proceeds to our local animal shelter who will also be attending with pets to adopt on site.”
2.) How did you get started? “I got started in college at Texas A&M with a food truck called Donut Darlin’. Graduated with a construction science degree then 4 years after opening I was able to sell the business to open what is now Darlin’s Diner. The deciding factor was a need to settle in a new place, as well as, coincidentally, the historic building I fell in love with and ended up purchasing was an antique shop called The Darling Emporium - woah. We’ve been growing at a fast pace since we’ve been here - personally too. My husband, Chris and I had two kiddos, Loula Moon and Ziggy LaRue, moved into our dream home and have been renovating. We love to stay busy in this little town life of ours.”
3.) What do you suggest to others who want to venture out and take a leap of action in the future of their career?
“I believe in following your dreams, especially those who desire to be entrepreneurs. It is not easy and not for everyone long hours and 24/7 work, but so so worth it. For those looking to open a business of their own, I encourage them to even use me as a resource for questions about experience, finances, business plans, day to day operations, softwares, accounting, employees, etc. I am still learning and always will be, but I love to help those who are nervous to take the first steps to be an entrepreneur.”
4.) What are your hours? You are definitely an Award Winning Operation.
“We have such a great staff that loves this place just as much as I do and we are open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. so they are working hard all the time to serve up great food and inviting atmosphere. Recently we have offered breakfast and lunch simultaneously starting 2025 and that has been a huge hit for our lovely customers.”