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Moonlight Diner's fare features fresh burgers and pies

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By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer 11:09 PM Sunday, March 20, 2011

MONROE — Friendliness and the area’s growth spurt led Middletonian Gary Dokas to open a restaurant in Monroe.

The Moonlight Diner is now serving patrons next door to the Monroe IGA Express off Ohio 63 at 2 East Ave.

Dokas, 45, said he took his family’s remaining savings to start the carry-out business after seeing a sign on the diner’s storefront that offered to rent the space with some restaurant equipment already in place from the previous business.

“Everybody is so friendly and I thought this was the place I wanted to be,” he said while voicing concern about how slow business has been.

“I’m not getting much attention. If I could get some attention from the people out there — I’d be OK.”

The decor includes Monroe Hornets blue and gold colors, three booths and a flat-screen television.

Dokas, who cooks and co-owns the business with his wife, Michelle, 42, is no stranger to the restaurant business. He has managed several chain restaurants including Shoney’s, Bill Knapp’s, Denny’s and the Waffle House near Ohio 123 and Interstate 75.

Prior to opening in Monroe, Dokas ran the former Moonlight Cafe at 516 E. State St. in Trenton for two years. He closed his business in January 2010, he said, because a robber struck him in the head with a baseball bat.

Dokas has the passion to run his own business and yearns for the community’s support, he said.

“We’re just trying to get to know the community. We want to be part of the solution and not the problem,” he said.

The menu includes all-day breakfasts of omelets, french toast and pancakes. It also has sandwiches and hoagies, salads and pizza.

Hamburger patties are fresh, he said, as are the biscuits and homemade gravy. He also sells potato skins, chicken wings and mozzarella sticks.

Desserts include fresh apple pies, cream and peanut butter pies, brownies and cookies.

Dokas said he would like to add pasta and fresh soups to the menu.

“I want help in being creative to what the community wants,” he said.