Turley Publications photos by Melissa Fales

Herm Reider cooking up some home fries in the Rise ‘n’ Shine Diner kitchen.

Rise ‘n’ Shine Diner under new ownership

Herm Reider brings his love of cooking to East Brookfield

By Melissa Fales

Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD – When someone loves what they do for a living, it shows. Case in point, Herm Reider, the cook at and new owner of the Rise ‘n’ Shine Diner at 237 West Main St. (on Route 9). While cooking has always been an interest for Reider, he didn’t initially pursue it as a career.

Originally from the Pittsburgh, PA area, Reider worked for a time as a quality control specialist. “He still is a quality control specialist when it comes to what he cooks,” said his wife, Lisa, who helps out at the diner when she can. “He’s happiest when he’s in the kitchen.”

Reider later worked for a time as a truck driver, until he was injured on the job. “If he hadn’t gotten hurt, he probably never would have had the chance to cook for a living,” said Lisa, “and cooking is something he has always wanted to do.”

Lisa recalled evenings when she and Reider would vie for the chance to cook their family dinners, since both enjoyed cooking so much. Their three children, Victoria, Ryan, and Emily, got to decide which parent would have the honor.

After studying culinary arts at Salter College, Reider opened Good to Go Catering. “He enjoys catering, but he wanted something steady, so he decided to open a restaurant,” said Lisa. The Reiders again called on their children, this time to help determine which dishes would be put on the menu. “They are our guinea pigs,” said Lisa. “We ran everything we serve by them first to see what they thought was the best.”

A new, expanded menu will be coming out this summer. Reider continues to offer catering as a service of the Rise ‘n’ Shine Diner.

The days start early for Reider, who rises at 4 a.m. for the commute from Holden, where the family lives. “Everything we serve is homemade,” said Lisa, so there is a lot of prep work to get done.

One of the most unique things about the Rise ‘n’ Shine Diner is their large selection of sugar-free and gluten-free offerings. “There are a lot of people who are diabetic or allergic, but they still want to enjoy tasty food,” said Lisa. They carry sugar-fee maple syrup, jams and jellies. Sugar-free muffins and cakes, and gluten-free brownies and cookies are baked on the premises. “Many customers order extras to take home and enjoy later,” said Lisa. “It’s not easy to get those kinds of treats.”

Rise ‘n’ Shine customers also enjoy Reider’s readiness to make their favorite dish, whether or not it’s on the menu that day. “Some of the specials we’ve offered have been very popular,” explained Lisa. “Often we get customers who say they really enjoyed a special we offered last week and they ask if they can order it again. If we have the ingredients available, Herm will make them whatever they want to eat.” Breakfast is available all day.

Lisa said she was touched by how welcome they have felt in East Brookfield. “People are very down to earth and friendly here,” she said. “We’re new here, but they make us feel like old friends.”

The one complaint some Rise ‘n’ Shine customers have voiced is about Reider’s collection of Pittsburgh Steelers photos and memorabilia on the walls. “I think our regulars have come to like his cooking so much, they are even starting to be more accepting of that now,” said Lisa.