The Damn Yankee on Station Parade in Harrogate is set to return with new owners.
Thanos Xhallo and Natasha Farmer are behind plans to reopen the popular American diner, which was a mainstay in Harrogate from 1972 until it closed in 2017.
It then became Burgers and More @ Original Damn Yankee in 2019 before the current owners took charge.
Thanos moved to Harrogate from his native Albania in 2014 and has worked in the kitchen and front-of-house at several restaurants in the town, including the Damn Yankee under its previous owners.
He said it’s been his dream to open a restaurant of his own since he began life in the UK.
The couple has bought the name of the business, which Thanos said means a lot to the people of Harrogate.
“It’s been all hands on deck getting the place ready.
“One women in her 60s walked past and said she used to come here as a child with her dad who has now passed away.”
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Thanos said the menu will offer what people expect from the Damn Yankee and will include steaks, pizzas, burgers and many different options for kids.
It will also offer Mexican fare, including burritos, house chilli, chimichanga and quesadillas.
Thanos said he might even bring back some of the old food challenges, where customers race against the clock to eat a giant burger or steak for the chance to get a picture on a wall of fame.
He said:
“We are going to do our best to give quality and for it to be affordable.”
Natasha added:
“This was my family’s favourite restaurant growing up, so when it became available we thought, we have to do this.”
“It isn’t just any American diner, it’s the American diner.”
The couple hope to have the restaurant open within the next few weeks.
