Chugging along since 1965

Sitting a stone’s throw away from the train tracks at 501 S. Eton Street, the aptly named Whistle Stop Diner has been a breakfast institution in Birmingham since 1965. Current owners, Elda and Valter Xhomaqi, bought the restaurant in 2012 after beginning work there in 1999, Elda as a waitress and Valter as a cook. Now, nine years after their acquisition, they have been busy expanding and renovating. The interior will feature seating for 65, which includes eight seats at the counter. A new patio has been added to the side of the building which will accommodate 28 guests. Inside, the design aesthetic pulls inspiration from the old train station with the use of tile work and nostalgic train signage. According to Elda Xhomaqi, the homestyle offerings for breakfast and lunch will remain mostly the same, however the big change will be with the addition of adult beverages. “We will have about 10 drinks on the menu including Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Spanish Coffees, and vodka drinks, such as Madras and Screwdrivers, made with Valentine Vodka,” said Xhomaqui. Other Michigan sourced additions include Great Lakes Coffee and bread from Zingerman’s. Look for the Whistle Stop to be chugging back to business in September. birmingham.whistlestopdiners.com