He was introduced to the restaurant business in his twenties. Building his way up, Elmer Palma, from Juatipa, Guatemala, started as a dishwasher at a popular restaurant in Ridgefield, CT and soon saw himself learning the trade, inspired by the restaurant chef’s elaborated skills. 

Elmer is married to Deysy Palma and they have three children: Grayce, Jeremy, and Nathan.

In an exclusive interview, Elmer shares his love for the restaurant business, his journey from dishwasher to entrepreneur, and the struggles to stay afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tribuna - How many years is Elmer’s Diner celebrating?

Elmer - Elmer’s Diner opened up on May 17, 2007. We are celebrating 14 years of blessings and success. We are thankful to our customers for all the support we have been receiving throughout all those years.

Tribuna - Describe your journey running a business that only closed during the pandemic?

Elmer – It has been a long and wonderful journey. We learned a lot of wonderful things. It was very hard to close during the pandemic, not to be able to serve our customers inside the restaurant, and working hard to keep serving customers by offering only takeout. It was a difficult time, but thank God, it is almost over and we are returning to our normal way of serving people and even better. Hopefully, we won’t ever again experience something like that. This was a time to really love and understand people like our customers that have been supporting us for many years.

Tribuna – Can you share a positive lesson you learned from the pandemic struggles that will change the way you conduct your business?
Elmer – I can say that the positive lesson was that I appreciate every single moment, and the support that I received from the community to help us stay in business. I take my customers very seriously. I want to give them my best and make them feel like they are home. 

Tribuna - What’s new on the menu that customers should come and try?

Elmer – For over a year, I was unable to serve my whole menu, and I was forced to cut it down and offer less items. Now, we are back and able to offer the whole menu. Giving them the best is what makes me happy. If our customers don’t see an item that they want in the menu, they can let us know and I will make it just the way you want. I want to see my customers happy.

Tribuna - Will you continue to request customers follow the CDC guidelines and wear masks inside your establishment?

Elmer – Thank God for the vaccine. We are able to relax a little more and almost get back to normal. I think from now on, I will leave it up to the customers. If they want to wear a mask, if they don’t want to, it is also OK. My staff and I will continue to wear a mask and we will wait for further guidance.  

Tribuna -  What would you like to say to your loyal customers that have supported you throughout all the years?

Elmer – I would like to thank all of our customers from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much for all the support you have given us over all those years. I thank God for each one of you. Our success is only possible because of your support. To have wonderful customers makes us even more responsible to provide better service, better overall experience at the diner.

We are now open 24 hours again. 

God bless America. Life is beautiful if we give our 100 percent; nothing is impossible when the Creator is on our side.

Elmer’s Diner is located at 22 Padanaram Road in Danbury, CT. On-site dining is open and also delivery orders through: deliveryman, Grubhub, Uber Eats or Doordash. For more information, or to place an order, call 203-731-2559 or visit elmersdiner.com.