Danville, VA
It's been a part of Danville's Schoolfield neighborhood for more than 90 years. Schoolfield Lunch, a diner that used to feed hungry Dan River mill workers around the clock. But after the Schoolfield Rec Center demolition and the recent closing of the Dan River Outlet, owners say they wonder what's next for this historic neighborhood.

Bill Kirios, Owner - "You don't really want to know how long I've been here do you....please?"

And owner Bill Kirios never did fess up. But here's a hint, he says his dad opened up Schoolfield Lunch at this location in 1914 and he remembers when a plate lunch was only 65 cents.

Kirios - "Seven days a week, three shifts a day, it was a bustling community back then."

That was back when 13,000 people worked across the street. But it's a little quieter now.

Anne Aycock, Customer - "Of course with the mill closing, it's a different environment."

Kirios says he worried about his diner then and more so now. News of the Dan River Outlet closing was hard to stomach, but many of his customers say they're staying loyal.

Max Littlejohn, Customer - "I've been coming here, off and on, since I was 15 years old."

They say it's more than a home-cooked meal. It's about tradition.

Cabell Mitchell, Customer - "I was brought here as a child with my parents, and now I'm bringing my daughter here."

But will future generations have a spot at the counter? Will Schoolfield Lunch have a storefront in Danville?

"I hope we prosper." Littlejohn - "Maintain the tradition that we've had, even though we've lost the mill."

Kirios says only time will tell.

Kirios - "Right now we're just hanging in there the best we can."

Schoolfield Lunch used to be open 24 hours. Now, they stay open for breakfast and lunch.

Originally published online here: http://new.wset.com/news/stories/0807/444833.html