The Executive Diner is one of Toledo’s must-go-to breakfast/brunch spots. It’s not your average eggs-and-legs diner though. Instead of the standard eggs, toast, meat and hash browns, they offer a blend of American, Mediterranean and Mexican options.
Adding Mexican food to the menu was an idea of the original owners (who own El Camino, neighbor), but adding Mediterranean options came from the new owner, Hassan Hassan, who previously managed Charlies Greek Restaurant. Adding options like “Divorced Eggs”—two corn tortillas, with refried beans topped with two eggs, sunny side up verde salsa with cheese, and home fries— which is delicious. Try the Tex-Mex Burrito, or maybe a Mediterranean skillet. The food is hot, full of flavor and quickly delivered to your table. Along with the attentive and friendly wait staff, the thing that separates The Executive Diner from the rest is the booze.
The diner offers a variety of cocktails and beers. A Bloody Mary or a Screwdriver is the perfect start to any Saturday. “We’re the only diner in Toledo that actually serves Bloody Marys seven days a week.” Hassan claims.
Maybe drinking at 10am isn’t your thing. That’s OK, it’s not a bar; it’s a diner that happens to serve alcohol. The atmosphere is relaxed and there will likely be a few families dining as well.
The peculiar attention to cleanliness makes Executive stand out. It’s clean. Really clean. Hassan says “I’m OCD, I’ve been in the business for 14 years and not once have I been written up by the health inspector. The inspector has told me, ‘I’ve gotta’ say, you’re one of the cleanest restaurants I’ve been to in a long time.’”
Hassan, who purchased Executive a few years ago says: “When I took over I didn’t want to make a lot of crazy changes, I just wanted to step it up…” Although Hassan typically works seven days a week, occasionally he’ll check on his competitors. “I like to take a day off sometimes and go to new local businesses in Toledo and see how they’re doing and what I can do differently.”
Hassan says that you have to try the Greek Omelet. “It’s homemade. Gyro meat, Tzatziki sauce, onions, tomatoes, feta cheese. I believe we have the best one in town —I’ve been making it for about 14 years.”
With such success, Hassan said they plan on opening a location in downtown Sylvania called Executive on Main soon.
Maybe it’s the warm wood paneled walls, maybe it’s the mimosas, perhaps it is the imaginative and varied menu items, or maybe it’s the efficient and friendly service. Whatever the reason, when you experience the Executive Diner, you’ll have a desire to return.
2516 W. Sylvania Ave (419) 472-3447 M-F 7am-2pm Sa-Su 7am-3pm
