MOUNT VERNON — If the thought of genuine Philly cheese steaks, corned beef and pork tenderloin sandwiches, and huge ice cream sundaes has you dreaming of days gone by then wake up and head to The Joint. The new 50’s style diner has just opened in downtown Mount Vernon at 1 W. High Street in the former Athens Greek restaurant location.
Owner David Stein told KnoxPages.com that he decided to open up the diner a few months ago because, “I kept walking by the spot when it was closed and kept thinking a great idea needs to go into that historic location. I had one more idea in my head of food and style I thought Mount Vernon really deserved to have and the birth of The Joint happened.”
The renovation of the space has been extensive. The work included reupholstering the booths, stripping the floors, new kitchen equipment and the addition of signage from Custom Cutters -a local metal fabricator. High top tables have been added as well.
The Joint has had a soft opening and those who have visited have posted great reviews on the restaurant’s Facebook page. Stein believes good service is very important and says, “You shouldn’t be surprised to receive good hospitality.”
In his review, Caleb Ashcraft of Mount Vernon ate lunch at The Joint on Monday and said “I ordered the cheesesteak with grilled onion and mushroom and got cheese whiz on it. This was amazing, I was very happy with how it came out. I also ordered fries and a chocolate shake. Using Velvet ice cream, it is to be expected that my shake was fantastic.”
In addition to the menu items mentioned, patrons will also select smashed hamburgers with choice of toppings, Cheez Whiz and queso, and gourmet grilled cheese.
For dessert, Velvet ice cream is being served at The Joint in waffle bowls, sugar cones, and shakes. You can order up to 10 dips of ice cream and enjoy it family style.
Hours of operation for The Joint are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Joint’s official grand opening is set for April 7.
The Joint is the first of three new businesses Stein has planned to open in downtown Mount Vernon. Later this year look for Dave’s Cosmic Subs on South Main Street next to Central Ohio Technical College and Stein Brewing Company which will be located in the Woodward building.
