Frank’s Diner on Finnon Lake

April 7th, 2021

By Tom Harris, Associate Editor

Frank’s Diner has been a fixture in the Mosquito Community for many years. As a family operation, Frank, Heidi and daughter Chana, and now with server Wendy Jones, together create a family friendly place to dine, meet with friends and make new friends. In all his time here, Frank’s primary focus was his relationship with the community.

Originally known as the Rock Creek Café beginning around 2007, Frank Ethridge took over the former Firehouse Café” and immediately established his bona fides as an outstanding chef. In addition, Heidi has a degree in Culinary Arts. During the time they took a few years off, MVFA upgraded the kitchen and dining area. Since then, Frank’s Diner has become a premier asset in the Mosquito community. Many residents may not realize that much of the work that went into the café building over the years was accomplished and paid by Mosquito resident volunteers. The pavilion was built by Orval Beckett and others. The stainless steel in the kitchen was donated by Steve Loree. The tile floor was donated by Norm Nester and others. The H-vac was donated by Dick Rood. The dropped ceiling which dramatically improved the interior acoustics was donated by Roger Stenbock. The interior tables and chairs were donated by the Swansboro Pilots Association.

Much of the work related to restoring the interior of the café was managed by Kim Purcell. The list goes on, proving that Frank’s Diner, like the fire station, is a place which has always been supported by the entire Mosquito community. The pandemic affecting much of the country did not stop Frank and Heidi from keeping the Diner open. All of the meals are currently being served in take-out containers. As the Spring weather improves, the tables and chairs in the pavilion and patio area are open to the public for dining. Diners have a beautiful view of Finnon Lake, and may even catch a glimpse of our resident pair of Bald Eagles nesting high in their pine tree.

As the restrictions due to the pandemic are lifted, watch Frank’s website and social media sites for events to resume at the Diner. Presently, the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Diner is being planned. Other events include Mardi Gras Night, Bluegrass Night, Veterans Meet-Up and others. Every Wednesday evening beginning at 5:00PM, Frank serves Family night with special dinners at $10.00. There’s always a friendly group of local diners in the patio area or pavilion, so bring a friend, and maybe meet some new friends. Frank and Heidi invite you to come out and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature in the surrounding area. With the restored dam, the lake is full and looks much as it did 20 years ago.  If a wedding or group party event is in your future, please consider Finnon Lake. Frank’s Diner also offers catering services.

Call Frank at (530)409 1977, or visit
Frank’s website at:
http://www.franksmosquitodiner.com