The Not-So-New Bobbie’s Diner
Written by Kayla Lybbert. Graphic by Alice Stockli.
Right across from Garvin Hall stands the freshly reopened Bobbie’s Diner. This retro restaurant provides an immersive experience into 50s dining, complete with jukebox tunes and milkshakes. It’s no wonder that SCAD decided to bring Bobbie’s back, considering its deep local history.
The beginning of this stainless-steel establishment started in 1952 in New Jersey, where it was fabricated by the Mountain View Diners company. After years of operation in Rhode Island, the structure ended up in Atlanta, where it was discovered by Paula Wallace herself. The diner was originally renovated and reopened in 1991 under manager Bobbie Gautreau, SCAD alum and residence hall director.
The story of Gautreau is an unconventional one. She was a homemaker with adult children when she decided to attend SCAD for fibers. It’s said her talented baking and pleasant personality charmed hungry students. The impact she’s had on the community is evident in the warm, welcoming environment of Bobbie’s Diner. It’s clear they’ve taken care to honor her spirit now that she’s retired.
The history alone is a reason to visit this novel restaurant. But how is the food? I had the opportunity to dine there — after a couple failed attempts. Twice I made the journey to Bobbie’s only to be turned away due to their premature closure. Once was because of a refrigeration problem and another due to them selling out of food. It’s important to remember that bumps in the road are normal in a newly opened establishment, even if it’s slightly inconvenient. Dining is open to the public despite being SCAD owned and operated, so its popularity reaches beyond university customers.
The menu covers both breakfast and lunch with a wide array of options. There is a notable quantity of vegan items which is great to see. It’s obvious that inclusivity is important to SCAD. This sentiment has been embraced by Bobbie’s and proves to attract many facets of the community.
A gripe many students share is the fact that only dining dollars and credit/debit cards are accepted. Unfortunately, many people on a budget are forced to sit out of experiencing this diner because meal swipes are not applicable. The 10% discount that students receive is overshadowed by the expensive menu.
I was disappointed to see that the portions and prices were not very classic 50s diner. It’s clear that this Bobbie’s revival is meant to be more upscale, so keep that in mind before you order. I had their signature hashbrown bowl with gravy, spam and an egg. Was it delicious? Yes. The presentation was neat and classy, but $15 dollars left me expecting more. I also ordered a chocolate shake and although enjoyable, I found there wasn’t anything truly special about it.
Is the not-so-new Bobbie’s Diner worth a visit? The answer is up to you. If you’re willing to pay the hefty price, this charming Savannah re-addition is a unique experience to boast. It’s a restaurant with a reminder of the impact one person can have on the community. In true Bobbie Gautreau fashion, dare to try new things.
