WILMINGTON, MA — The Wilmington Board of Health recently okayed the proposed floor plans for East Coast Diner, a new restaurant scheduled to be built and opened next year at 203 Lowell Street, the corner of Lowell Street and Woburn Street.
“[The restaurant’s proprietor Michael Palmer] and I sat together to go over the plans,” said Wilmington Health Director Shelly Newhouse. “Barring a few changes, this is going to be it. I like it. I think it’s a nice layout.”
Besides a couple of minor questions over whether the alcohol in storage could be moved so it’s more accessible to staff, Board of Health members concurred with Newhouse’s findings that the 5,538 square foot restaurant is well laid out.
The diner, which is slated to have 156 indoor seats and 30 patio seats, will be an “old-fashioned,” single-story diner with neon signs, booths in the windows, and a breakfast counter.
“Think milkshakes, pies in a glass display case, seating at counters, high top seating, and booth seating,” said Newhouse.
The diner will have a full bar in the back. Families will stay at the booths and counter in the front. There will be TVs are the bar. Palmer does not anticipate hosting live music.
Newhouse noted that, to start, the diner will NOT serve breakfast, but rather focus on lunch and dinner.
The diner will have a “traditional, east-coast” diner menu, including hot dogs, hamburgers, meatloaf and fried fish.
The diner’s owner, Michael Palmer, has been in the restaurant business for 30 years. He currently owns Stearns & Hills Bistro in Melrose and Fusilli’s Cucina (formerly Sam’s Bistro) in Reading. He previously owned the Tanner Tavern in Woburn, which he sold to a family member.
The diner will be one of TWO restaurants built on the site. The diner is at the rear of the property, closest to the rear driveway of Textron, before the residential area on Woburn Street begins. Palmer will own both restaurants.
“I’ve heard nothing about the second restaurant yet. There have been no plans submitted,” said Newhouse.
A third business — a “dog hotel” — is also slated to open on the site.
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Wilmington Apple 
What about boston market or kfc chicken would be great in wilmington
I think the diner will be cute. I REALLY don’t want to see any more fast food restaurants here.