N’Gina Guyton, the restaurateur behind Sacramento’s now-shuttered soul food kitchen South, is reopening the historic Jim Denny’s diner.
“Having this opportunity at Jim Denny’s, I just want to have fun,” Guyton tells Eater. The new owner adds, “I want this diner to be light and easy and super approachable, and also culturally inclusive, having things on the menu for everybody, and you walk away full and happy.”
At 816 12th Street in Sacramento, the eatery neighbors a Goodyear Auto Service tire shop and the bakery Judy’s Donuts.
Guyton shares enthusiasm about the area — “It’s not residential at all, so we can do live music or movies on the brick wall… I want to celebrate Sacramento summer at its best, and how many places are able to do that in downtown proper?”
On the menu will be gourmet dogs such as the Hey Papi — made with a brioche roll and a chorizo dog, topped with mango salsa, crushed Takis Fuego, and togarashi-spiked mayo — meatloaf burgers, vegetarian portobello burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and brussels sprouts served with roasted garlic-anchovy mayo.
As far as atmosphere is concerned, according to Eater, “Guyton wants to preserve much of the original diner’s interior outfitting,” however she imagines something more modern for the existing counter — hoping to transform it into a bar where patrons can sit and enjoy craft cocktails made by bar manager Ciera Rusciolelli.
Jim Denny’s is slated to open before September.
For additional updates, follow the eatery on Facebook and Instagram.
