WESTFORD — 30 years after Mario’s Breakfast and Lunch opened its doors in Westford, employees of the former restaurant have reimagined the space with their own earthy flair.
“We decided to redo everything from floor to ceiling,” co-owner Josh Johnson told WestfordCAT. “With the help of our friends and family, we had our vision come to life.
As only WestfordCAT reported in September, the new business was formed earlier this month after owner Mario Brancato retired and sold the business to Johnson and Jenn White – two of Brancato’s longtime employees.
Johnson has worked for the restaurant for 11 years and began managing the kitchen in 2023. White previously worked as Mario’s first server when the restaurant opened in 1994 before starting and later selling her own diner.
“With our experience, we felt like it was a good balance [to take over],” he said.
The restaurant has had a complete facelift – complete with new paint, tables, chairs and breakfast bar.
In the restrooms, Johnson said a long time customers painted two murals, which took nearly 20 hours.
“We had a long time customer that wanted to make her mark,” he said.
The restaurant is complete with an overhaul of its menu, which Johnson said has more of an “earthy vibe.”
“We wanted to add some healthy spins to the menu,” he said. “We made sure that we put ‘M’s’ [on the menu] for Mario’s classics. But other than that, I wanted to put my unique spin on making things our own and adding a vibrant touch to it.”
He added, “We’re trying to keep the same old diner and keep the same friendly faces. We love our customers, they are a huge part of why we love doing what we do.”
The restaurant has introduced a new mascot as well, aptly named ‘Mr. Truffle.’
“We don’t actually sell truffle but it came about as we were looking to represent my passion for cooking,” he said. “He was a whimsical way of expressing my love for doing what I do.”
As for White, she said she’s happy to “be back at it.”
“I couldn’t wait to get the pot of coffee back in my hand and put down the paint and screwdriver,” she said.
