ROCK CAVE — As the old saying goes: “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” and such is the case with the relocation and transformation of The Gaine’s Diner into The Route 20 Diner.
The Gaines Diner has moved from its previous location, nearly 20 miles from Main Street, to its new location at the “Y” intersection in Rock Cave — and changed its name to The Route 20 Diner.
The location has changed, the name has changed, the delicious home cooked food, friendly service and down-home atmosphere have stayed the same.
The Route 20 Diner first opened its doors for a soft opening Aug. 1 at 7 a.m. By noon, the ample parking lot was full, as regular customers and first-time customers alike, filled the tables to partake of the comfort food and friendly atmosphere for which the diner has become famous.
According to owner/operator Amy Wilson Detamore, the move was prompted by two things: space and location.
“We outgrew the 512-square-foot location,” Detamore said. “and it’s a better location for us.”
Since Detamore reopened The Gaine’s Diner back in August 2023, there has been a steady stream of publicity from local and state media. With the publicity, came a steady stream of hungry customers and the business quickly outgrew the charming, yet tiny building that was located on Gaines/Canaan Road in Gaines.
“Business has been fabulous, we’ve had folks from everywhere, I mean everywhere,” Detamore said.
Customers from as far away as Alaska and California have traveled the backroads to eat at the diner.
“We needed more room,” she said.
The new location at the “Y” in Rock Cave, is at the intersection of incoming traffic from Lewis and Webster counties, and adjacent to Rock Cave IGA and Tri-County Health Clinic (Community Care), and offers easier access for customers and greater visibility for the business.
The new diner’s motto is: “The Gathering Place, Where Customers Become Family.” They will have old menu favorites available as well as new items. Daily specials will be posted on The Route 20 Diner Facebook page. Some of the specials include timeless favorites such as biscuits and gravy; pepper steak and onion rings; roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy; country fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy and fish and hush puppies.
The diner is located at 12765 Route 20 South Road, Rock Cave, W.Va. Their phone number is 304-924-9359.
Business hours are Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are currently only accepting cash and checks until Credit/Debit Card machines are installed.
