Hermie’s Diner has a new name and a new owner.
The West Street South eatery is now called Timmy’s Diner and the new owner aims to bring the best ingredients and service to Orillia patrons.
Kandiah Tharmarajah, who goes by Timmy, purchased the business from former owner Hermie Baldado and her husband, Chris Suckling, earlier this spring. The couple had opened the restaurant in 2019.
Tharmarajah owned and operated a popular breakfast spot, Timmy’s Bagels and Coffee, in Scarborough for 16 years before deciding it was time to move north. The 61-year-old was born in Sri Lanka but has been in Canada for 35 years.
“I came to Orillia to live a better and healthier life,” he said. “There is fresh air, less pollution, two lakes, farmland, and the people are friendly.”
Before purchasing the diner, Tharmarajah said he didn’t look at how the business was doing financially, but rather he looked at its 575 West St. S. location.
“I am confident in my experience,” he said. “I saw potential in the business and a great location with easy access to Highway 12 and lots of parking.”
Tharmarajah is selling similar items to what was previously sold at Hermie’s Diner. On the menu are breakfast items, take-out sandwiches, and homemade burgers.
“We have quality food,” he said. “I don’t compromise on quality.”
Already, Timmy’s Diner has seen lots of repeat customers, which proves to Tharmarajah that his business model is working.
“Our breakfast items are the same as what was served here before, but I use better quality meat,” he explained. “We are getting lots of compliments on that.”
They are also getting good reviews for their service, he said.
“It’s a family business,” he said. “It should feel like a home to our customers — that’s the main thing.”
Next month, Tharmarajah says Timmy’s will be expanding hours and adding delivery services.
“I want to be open six days a week,” he said. “A lot of customers are asking us to be open on Mondays because lots of businesses here are closing on Mondays.”
Timmy’s Diner is currently open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday.
