BUCYRUS — Tuesday was a special day for the owners, staff and customers of Lu Lu’s Kitchen, located at 1640 Marion Road in Bucyrus, as they celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the diner well-known for its homestyle cooking.

“We wanted to find a way to thank the community and our staff for their support during our first year in business. Everyone has been wonderful,” said Kim Stamper, who owns and operates the restaurant with her husband Ryan Stamper.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony honored the restaurant’s anniversary by the Bucyrus Area Chamber of Commerce.

“In only one year, they have made this restaurant a staple in the Bucyrus community,” said Jess Furner, director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Kim said she also thanks her former boss Donnie Schifer, who died in a motorcycle accident in August 2018, for everything he taught her.

“Ryan and I both worked for him at the Bucyrus Diner,” said Kim, who worked as the general manager at the diner while Ryan managed the kitchen.

Kim, who has worked in the restaurant industry since she was a teen and began waitressing at PoMo’s in Nevada, previously said Schifer was like a father to her.

After a decade working as a waitress at Carolyn’s Kitchen near Oceola, Kim worked at Harmon Guss’ restaurant, Gus’s Grill and Grog, and then stayed on when it became Vanessa’s. The restaurant temporarily closed then was re-opened by Schifer as the Bucyrus Diner. Guss lost his battle with cancer in 2012.

“Donnie was like a dad to me and Harmon taught me so much. I wanted to do something to honor them,” said Kim, who named two of the menu items at Lu Lu’s after the two men who were her mentors.

Kim said the same staff members that began working at the restaurant when she opened a year ago are still there.

“We have a great staff and very little turnover,” Kim said.

Kim said she enjoys helping other business owners and is now featuring items from Jason’s Creations at the restaurant.

“We support all local businesses, including other restaurants,” Kim said.

Ryan said he is excited that Lu Lu’s Kitchen was named as one of the top five spots in Central Ohio with the best burgers by NBC4 News in Columbus for 2019.

“We are very honored by that,” Ryan said.

Virginia Hammontree, director of the Bucyrus Tourism and Visitor’s Bureau, dines at the restaurant twice every week.

“The food is great and so is the service and atmosphere, Hammontree said. “They take care of their customers and our tourists that come to town.”

Two local elected officials came to the celebration.

“Kim and Ryan take excellent care of their customers and their staff,” Crawford County Commissioner Tim Ley said.

Bucyrus City Council President Kurt Fankhauser said he is happy the business is succeeding.

“I am very glad to see a non-chain restaurant in our town, with the best burgers in Central Ohio, that is doing well,” Fankhauser said. “We all need to support our local business owners.”

For more information, visit the Lu Lu’s Kitchen Facebook page or call 419-562-0019.