SEVERN – Remember the hit TV show, “Cheers” – the place “where everyone knows your name.”

Well, welcome to Severn’s version of that establishment….only without the bar.

The Main Street Diner opened for business on April 19 in Severn. It has been welcomed by residents and workers alike in that northern Northampton County town along NC 35. Prior to its opening, folks living or working in Severn had to drive for 10 or more miles just to crack open a menu and order something to eat.

Christine Moore, the owner, started the new business because she knew how much the townspeople and employees at several businesses there needed a place to eat. Plus, she loves to cook; whether it’s fresh, fried chicken, pork chops, fresh fish, or just a simple cheeseburger, hot dog, or club sandwich.

As one customer put it, “their smothered, boneless chicken breast with cheese, mushrooms, onions and gravy is to die for!”

“The opportunity arose to open a restaurant here,” Moore said. “I was asked if I had an interest in opening one, so I did.”

She said that even though Severn is a small town, it has many thriving businesses with hungry workers. Severn Peanut, Northampton Peanut, Hampton Farms, Resinall, MFI, the fertilizer company, and others call Severn as home. GP Resins and other businesses are located in nearby Conway.

Moore has the experience to operate a restaurant. She started working at Andy’s (now Highway 55) while still in high school before working her way up to a traveling manager for that eastern ‘Carolina chain of restaurants. She would travel to the Andy’s locations in Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, Williamston, Edenton, and Greenville to help them out.

She worked as manager until, at age 20, she moved to Germany with her new husband Matthew Moore, who was stationed there in the U.S. Army. He has since completed his service and now works at Severn Peanut Company as a mechanic.

While her Main Street Diner customers are like family to her, those working behind the counter are flesh-and-blood family members.

“We’re one big happy family,” she said.

Working with her at the Main Street Diner is her mother-in-law Sheryl Moore, her sister-in law Shannon Moore, and Shayna Speight, who used to run a restaurant in Boykins, Va.

“We know just about everybody,” Christine said. “There are a lot of hardworking people in Severn. We try to help out by offering good food at affordable prices.”

She said the most lunch items are just $5, with a new special dish every day. Breakfast is served beginning at 6 a.m.

Some workers only get a half-hour for lunch, so the Main Street Diner has to be good and fast. Each meal is prepared to order, not sitting around waiting to be ordered.

Even though it’s only been open for less than a month, word of mouth has spread quickly, with many folks not working in local businesses stopping by to get breakfast or lunch.

The diner is currently open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., but there are plans to stay open later.

Main Street Diner is located near the end of Main Street, adjacent to the post office, just outside the main entrance of Severn Peanut Company.

To place a take-out order and have it ready to go, hot and fresh upon your arrival, call 252-395-9000.