Today Marks 1 Year of Ownership for Dan & Morgan!

Though the original Ray’s opened in 1932 and moved to the current location in 1942, today we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the new ownership of our beloved Ray’s Diner! Dan Tota and Morgan Newkirk have jumped right into the business world and are loving it, though it no doubt has its ups and downs.

How did Dan and Morgan get here you might ask. Morgan’s Dad was a citizen of Excelsior Springs from the late 80’s into 2020. Though she grew up primarily in the Northland, she was no stranger to Excelsior Springs. Venturing out into the world, Dan and Morgan lived in Colorado for about 13 years before moving back to Missouri.

When they were in town for Morgan’s father’s celebration of life, someone mentioned that Ray’s Diner was for sale. They had often dreamed and talked about what it might be like to own their own restaurant, so this sparked their interest! Both Dan and Morgan had restaurant experience, Mogan on the serving and management side and dan has the culinary experience. Next thing you know, they made the purchase! They ownership transition was seamless. The diner remained open throughout the entire process.

When talking with Morgan, she said the best of the first year has been the regular customers and supportive community members. There are people who are new to town and those who’ve visited for years. Everyone is open and interested in her creative daily specials and she loves having regulars try them and give feedback. It has definitely helped her get outside of her comfort zone and do their own thing, knowing the customers will support them. In the future they are really looking forward to making the place their own.

There are a few improvements to the building and some other new equipment that they hope to see come into play during the upcoming year.

As always, running a business can be a challenge. For Dan and Morgan, the toughest part would have to be that early morning wake up call! Up every day at 4:15 AM so they can be there and ready to serve their delicious diner breakfast to all the patrons. While it makes for a nice routine, sometimes it’s tough waking up that early, especially since it’s been a change in their lifestyle and a balancing act of time together and running a successful business together.

The two know they wouldn’t have been able to make it through the first year of ownership without their amazing employees! Deborah (Debbie) Shanks and Natasha Prewitt stayed with the diner through the ownership transition and have been a huge help! They knew the regulars and helped make the transition seamless, even guiding them in how to navigate certain situations as they come.

Dan & Morgan want to thank the community for their support! Make sure to swing in for a visit. You can view their daily specials on the Ray’s Diner Facebook Page and find more information on their website.