FRUITLAND, Md. – You won't find a typical dining experience at the new Denny's Restaurant in Fruitland.
Inside America's Diner you'll find something you do not typically see at a Denny's Restaurant, a bar. The new Denny's opened earlier this month, replacing the former Uno Chicago Grill. Denny's General Manager Joseph Rosales said keeping the bar would enhance customers' experience.
Bob Harper has never seen anything like it. He dines at the new Denny's quite often. He thinks the new addition will appeal to more customers.
"This is completely different. It's wonderful,” he said. “I think it's great we're getting this in our neighborhood."
Patricia Hopkins, who ordered breakfast at the restaurant, was a little surprised when she learned about Denny's serving alcohol, but she thinks it is a good idea.
"I see no problem,” Hopkins said. “People that would like to have a drink with their meal should be able to."
However, patrons like David Ryan of Fruitland do not think Denny's should offer those type of beverages.
" I'm not sure Denny's is the right place to have alcohol; it's a family restaurant,” Ryan said. “So, I don't really go looking for alcohol at Denny's."
The Wicomico County Board of Liquor Commissioners recently approved a liquor license for beer, wine and alcoholic beverages. However, the license comes with a few limitations. Currently, alcohol is only sold between 10 a.m. and midnight. That will be the case for four months. It is a test of sorts, to see how the restaurant manages when selling liquor during later hours.
"The trial times are just to make sure we have no problems, especially overnight,” Rosales said. “We'll go before the Liquor Board sometime in May."
Rosales said the restaurant still lives up to its family-friendly image.
The restaurant is open 24 hours. Pending the outcome of the four-month trial run, liquor could be sold as late as 2 a.m. in the spring.
