Margie and Ken Johnson started the Diner with their first location in Morro Bay, California back in October, 1986. They ran a coffee shop at Chimney Rock Golf Course up in the Napa Valley prior to this for a year. Previous to this Margie working in several restaurants in Calistoga, California after  graduating from college in 1975. Having worked first as a dishwasher and then cooking, Margie was thrown into serving when a server didn't show up one day. So, over the years, Margie learned about all positions in the house, while Ken rounded out the picture with his administrative talents.

In 1986, based on what Margie felt comfortable cooking and what seemed like "comfort food", we sat down over a bottle of red wine and came up with our menu that's changed very little over the last 20 years.  They hope to portray a casual, friendly atmophere with lots of laughing and joking, but don't be fooled - they are serious about the Food. Margie used to be at the Morro Bay restaurant bright and early every morning at to start the biscuits and gravies fresh each day. Long days of sweat and toil were ahead before they could afford to start hiring help to ease the load. But, that's what has helped build their success. Each time they have expanded, Margie has been front and center in the kitchen training new crews.

In 1990 they took a great leap of faith and opened in San Luis Obispo in an old Howard Johnson's location fronting on Hwy 101. From there they leapfrogged into Pismo Beach and then on up to Paso Robles and Salinas. In 1998, feeling brave they went on to open locations in Monterey, Atascadero and Goleta. They expanded once again in 2004 and opened in the old Keefer's Inn in King City. 

Today, they are slowing down a bit as none of their combined eight children are interested in carrying on the business. They have pared back the operation, closing a couple. Ken would like to see the daylight and retire soon. Having given the Morro Bay location to their children, they are left with four comfortable businesses to oversee.