MARION, Iowa — It was a packed house for the final day of a popular diner in Marion.
West End Diner closed its doors on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, after opening in 2019 in a late-1800s brick home at 809 Sixth Ave.
The diner planned to be open until 2 p.m., but as more menu items — such as the three-cheese blended grilled cheese — sold out, employee Zeke Calhoun added a caveat.
“Until 2 p.m. or as long as supplies last,” said Calhoun, referencing the crowds who wanted to get their last West End Chicken Salad, latte, delectable cinnamon rolls and other beloved favorites.
Although Tuesday was election day, the closure wasn’t the result that customers would have voted for.
“You were always our go-to spot on the bike trail,” wrote one fan on Facebook. “I’ve eaten more of your BLTAs (bacon, lettuce, tomato with avocado) than I can count. I will miss you terribly.”
“Will never get over it,” wrote another. “Thank you for being my go-to spot for girl time brunches, birthday breakfast dates and remote working.”
Although the diner is closing, West End Shops will remain open. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Customers elected to dine inside, rather than on the patio, during occasional downpours of rain on Tuesday and staff scrambled to serve the lines that queued indoors.
Calhoun, who has worked at West End for 2 1/2 years, said the closure wasn’t due to a lack of customer support.
“It’s mostly a staffing thing,” he said, noting the diner’s main cook had recently moved on and attempts to find more staff were unsuccessful. “We didn’t want our food quality to go downhill, so we decided to end on a high note.”
Calhoun noted that the West End Shops would remain open, but was uncertain about the future of the building housing the diner.
He also was uncertain about his own future plans, but had no regrets.
“It was a beautiful run,” Calhoun said. “An absolutely beautiful run.”
More: See final photos of Maid-Rite West and more from the final day of West End Diner, below:
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