A family-run diner

Three things keep Justin Charles of Winchester coming back to South Main Grocery & Grill: “The food, and Heather and Steve.” 

The neighborhood market, deli and diner has been a local staple for working people, first responders and retirees alike since 1952. Heather and Steve James drove by the store almost every day during Steve’s 35 years as a supervisor at Infiltrator Systems and Heather’s 16 years as a bookkeeper at Southern States. 

“We watched Food Network all the time,” Heather said. “We just wanted to do it.” 

The couple bought the store in 2020, and it has evolved while retaining its classic charm. The main room is now devoted to seating for customers, making it much more accommodating to the breakfast and lunch crowd. Goods stocked along the perimeter make South Main a one-stop shop, where customers can avoid a trip to a bigger grocery store while enjoying an award-winning burger. 

“We like to come here because it’s a lot quieter than the Waffle House,” said regular Joann Thompson. “It’s very family-oriented.”

Heather and Steve recently bought the house next door, which belonged to the previous owner of the restaurant. Heather’s step-father, Ken Lutes, makes daily progress on the home’s renovations while the rest of the family keeps the joint running next door. 

The move will simplify the family’s lives as they manage looking after the store and their grandchildren, Genevieve and Sebastion. The kids get off the school bus at the store each afternoon, running into the store with excitement to grab a snack or piece of candy before they all head to their 10-acre piece of land. Soon, home will be right next door. 

For Robert Strode, who has lived in Winchester all his life, the restaurant’s proximity to his own home is one of the perks for him. “There’s nice people, and you always see your friends,” he said. 

Steve said he never expected the restaurant to grow to what it is now. “We want everyone to leave with a smile,” he said.