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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor SPRINGFIELD Danny Boyle is a determined man. He wanted to bring a classic diner to his hometown of Springfield and when one project was stalled, he launched another. Boyle's The Common Ground Diner at the corner of Main and Lyman Streets may not look like a classic diner from the outside, but it does from the inside. Decorated with authentic diner items, such as a stainless steel backsplash, a vintage blue rotary wall phone and refurbished stools, Boyle has used the new restaurant as a homage to his hometown. There are enlarged postcards from the turn of the 20th century that show downtown in its heyday on the walls and the menu is chock full of historical facts about the city. His hardwood counter even has a Springfield pedigree it is a section of a lane from a State Street bowling alley. Although open for several weeks, Boyle celebrated the official grand opening on Saturday. He said the reaction to the opening of the restaurant has been very good. "We have been slammed," he said with a smile. Boyle had originally intended to bring a restored 1950s diner he had purchased and move it to a location in the North End. He had spent $30,000 alone on preparation of the property and his investment was lost when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts refused, without comment, to grant him the right to transport the diner to its Springfield location. Boyle had secured permissions from Ohio where the diner is now located Pennsylvania and New York, but not Massachusetts. "I lost a ton of money," he said. His restored diner is now for sale. So, instead of giving up on his dream, the former theatrical producer looked for another location and found it in a space that had housed several other food businesses. Boyle's menu harkens back to the day of the daily "blue plate special." Boyle features a special every day alongside burgers, sandwiches, soups and breakfast items. The diner is open Monday through Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; from 7:30 a.m. to midnight on Thursday and Friday; from 8:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Relatively few restaurants are open on the weekends in the downtown area, but Boyle believes he can build up a weekend clientele. He noted that his proximity to the Amtrak station has already helped him. The Amtrak staff has been telling travelers that Boyle's restaurant is just down the street from the station. And being open at night gives visitors to the city's Entertainment District another dining option. Boyle is well aware of the downside of his location. As it is next door to the now closed Kennedy Fried Chicken, he said he will have security at night and will make sure that none of the problems that might be taking place on the street will spill into his establishment. He doesn't believe, though, the same clientele will congregate at his restaurant as the two businesses are radically different in format and menu. Boyle appeared before the Board of License Commissioners last week to ask for an extension of his evening hours to 3:30 a.m. Police Commissioner Edward Flynn sent a letter asking the Board to deny the request, which it did. Although disappointed with the Board's ruling, Boyle is excited about his new venture and the reception to his dream. As he looked around the restaurant, he said, "It has been phenomenal." |