Press Release – Don’s Windmill Truckstop Closing

27 04 2009

I heard a while ago this might happen.  Still, a sad day.  Don’s was one of the first restaurants that was recommended to J and I when we moved here.  The restaurant will close Friday.  From a press release…..

DON’S THANKS VISITORS FOR 54 YEARS OF BUSINESS

Dimondale, MI – (April 27, 2009) Don’s Windmill Truck Stop of Dimondale announced today that it will close its doors after its 54 year run as travelers’ one-stop-shop. Don’s Windmill Family Restaurant started in 1955 as a ten tables diner named after the late Donald Millisor, who passed summer of 2006. Don and his wife Shirley saw their business grow rapidly as the Interstate-96 and Interstate-69 was built around Lansing, and their customer-base became predominately truck drivers and travelers. The 24 hours restaurant/travel center/fuel station today services hundreds of truckers and travelers a week, as well as many locals.

Due to the failing Michigan economy and the current U.S. recession the third and forth generation family business has no choice but to shut down operations. The Windmill Restaurant, which has become known for its friendly service and its delicious breakfast buffets, will close Friday, May 1, 2009 as well as the Diesel Center. The Travel Center and Gas Station will remain open until the business completes final closing procedures.

According General Manager, Daniel Millisor, son of Don and Shirley, “Our family is heartbroken to have to close the family Business. It has been a vital part of our entire lives, as well as a local icon to our many loyal customers”

The Millisor Family would like to thank their valued employees, many of them who have served the business for as long as 45 years. The family would also like to recognize the number of loyal customers who have been the heart of keeping the business open for 54 years. It’s disappointing to the community to see another ‘mom n’ pops’ business come to an end, but the years of memories it holds will not be forgotten.

Don’s Windmill would like to announce an invitation to everyone for one last meal at the nostalgic diner. Whether its the first time or the 10,000th time, come in for homemade soups and pies, all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs, super-sized chopped steak dinner, build-your-own omelet, hot biscuits and gravy, or come in to finally conquer the one pound Monster Burger!
 

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GM Cuts Could Close Don’s Windmill

27 01 2009

I just noticed this story in my RSS feeds.   The ripple effect of GM cutting employees trickles down to the businesses around the plant.

Don’s Windmill Restaurant is one of those establishments, and manager Alexis Millisor describes business as slowly dying.

“With an additional 1,200 people being laid off that’s another 1,200 that won’t be able to have money to go out to eat,” Millisor said.

Millisor says she’s worried about the future of the restaurant since much of her business comes from GM workers at the Delta plant along with truck drivers who supply parts to the factory.

They’ve been in business 55 years and it may be the end of the line. Don’s Windmill was one of the first restaurant recommendations we got from one of J’s co-workers.  It was good, greasy diner food.  Nothing great, but somehow comforting.   Losing Don’s Windmill would be sad.