CALEDONIA, Wis. — A beloved local diner that has served the Racine and Caledonia community for nearly two decades is entering a new chapter, as a local family prepares to take the reins while keeping its familiar charm intact.
Douglas Avenue Diner will soon transition ownership to Andy and Maureen Helzer, who are purchasing the restaurant from longtime owners Mike and Toni Scamarcia. The Scamarcias have operated the diner for the past nine years and helped guide the business through significant growth and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The diner itself has been a staple in the community for 19 years, earning recognition in the “Best of Racine” awards and building a loyal following among regular customers who appreciate its homemade meals and welcoming atmosphere.
As the Scamarcias prepare for retirement, the Helzer family says they are excited and honored to continue the diner’s legacy.
“We are incredibly grateful for what Mike and Toni have built,” Maureen Helzer said. “They have poured their lives into this diner and the community around it. We feel honored to carry that forward.”
The Helzers say the restaurant’s name, recipes, and spirit will remain unchanged. Douglas Avenue Diner has long been known for serving homemade dishes prepared fresh daily with real ingredients — something the new owners say they intend to preserve.
Both Andy and Maureen bring extensive hospitality and business experience to the venture. Andy has spent much of his career working in hospitality management, including time in high-end hotels before moving into restaurant leadership. Over the past five years, he has helped manage and operate seven restaurants across the region.
Maureen also has a background in hospitality and entrepreneurship, with experience in marketing, photography, and business development. A Kenosha native, she has lived in the area for more than five decades, while Andy has called the region home since 2006.
The Helzers say their family — which includes four children — will also play a role in the diner’s future as they continue their tradition of operating family-run businesses together.
For Andy, the classic diner atmosphere represents something timeless.
“Our parents were born in the 40s and 50s, and we grew up listening to oldies music and watching shows like Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley, along with movies like Grease,” he said. “There was something special about that era — simple, fun, and centered around community. We want people to feel that nostalgia when they walk through the doors.”
Maureen said one of the diner’s greatest strengths is the quality of its food.
“When I learned how much of the food here is homemade and prepared fresh with real ingredients, that really stood out to me,” she said. “At a time when more families are paying attention to what they’re feeding their kids, that matters.”
While no major changes are planned immediately, the Helzers say they plan to explore ways to grow the business while maintaining the traditions that longtime customers have come to love.
They also hope to deepen the diner’s ties to the community by partnering with other local establishments and increasing community involvement.
“This isn’t a corporation coming in,” Maureen said. “We’re a local family investing in a local legacy.”
A ribbon-cutting event and Chamber of Commerce celebration are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Helzers begin their stewardship of the diner.
For nearly two decades, Douglas Avenue Diner has served as a warm gathering place for Racine and Caledonia residents — and under its new ownership, the goal remains simple: preserve the tradition while creating new memories for generations to come.
9 Responses
Good Luck, we need more places like these mom and pops. Too many Corporation run businesses now, zero heart, just about the dollars.
Totally agree. Having experienced many local diners in the Midwest and East on business travel, it is so true that they have the best home made foods and deserts. The Douglas Ave Diner is very good.
This is in Racine County. Did they pay KCE to publish this?
It’s a Kenosha County family taking over the diner.
… Far beyond the Borders of a County Line.
Should KCE not interview people in District 11 beyond the county line ?
Just because the Name has a local meaning doesn’t restrict the views to or news to it.
There are many examples of interest that Kenoshan’s are a part of that extend elsewhere.
This is not a Kingdom with walls.
The family that purchased the place it’s from Kenosha. I’m sorry you got triggered and I hurt your feelings.
Wow , you act like it’s hours and hours away.. Live a little! Jeez!
I will have to visit. Sounds like it will be a great place to eat.
I’ve never heard of this restaurant. Thanks Kevin for getting the word out about a locally owned place to support! Homemade food! Unheard of these days! 🤣