Minding Your Business - Chatham Filling Station

Rik Morse told me he waited tables for a decade or more, but “being an owner is different.”  He and his wife and partner, Caren Chybik Morse opened Zia Pizzeria, East Orleans  in 2007, after owning the Chatham Bakery for years before that. And now with the opening and success of the Chatham Filling Station in May 2017, the two can claim a third successful business, and Rik has proved being an owner is not only different but fun.

“It is fun,” he agreed. And interesting.  Just a few years in, Covid hit but the Morses met the challenge of operating a food service business during that time.  “We added outside dining, and got a food truck.” 

“The food truck has been great,” Rik said.  “It’s our third year with the Polka Dot Panini Food Truck.  We recently were at Nauset Beach for the Outermost Music Festival.”  The truck is available for private parties.  In fact for the holiday season (or anytime) you can rent the entire diner. Both are available year round. 

“We enjoy catering.  The diner is a wonderful setting for any gathering late afternoon and evenings.  It’s a lovely space, especially in the evening.  We’ve done pre-wedding parties, family gatherings and even hosted the Anglers here a couple times after a game.”  The diner has a beer and wine license to add to the festivities. 

“We added Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters last spring and now offer cappuccino, latte, espresso and more to make your dining experience here a bit more upscale,” he smiled. 

“Also, anyone who remembers the Chatham Bakery under our ownership knows Caren is an amazing baker and a talented pastry chef; beyond reproach!”  And that’s good to know with the holiday season looming on the horizon.  The diner is now taking orders for the holiday desserts and rolls.  This year they are offering pies (Sweet Potato Pecan, Double Crust Apple, Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Cream plus pumpkin and pecan), Apple Cinnamon Cake, Squash Rolls and their delicious popovers.  (Popovers are on their regular menu!) 

And speaking of their menu, they serve breakfast all day and lunch five days a week.  It’s elevated diner food with eggs and grits, breakfast sandwiches on homemade biscuits, pancakes, classic Benedict, corned beef hash, bowls, wraps, salads, sandwiches (melts, burgers, clubs, and more).  Try the loaded home fries! 

The Chatham Filling Station is a must for the holiday season, or any season! Order your holiday goodies today while dining on the breakfast BLT or a short stack of buttermilk pancakes.