Amidst the daily hustle, a local diner in Sterling Heights has been offering a unique dining experience since 1987. Old House Family Restaurant, known for its homestyle cooking and sassy service, has served as a comfort zone for many in the community. Megan Turner, who took over the diner in 2021, is committed to preserving its quirky charm, including the trademark "Good Food, Bad Attitude." "We were the waitresses with attitude. She would 100% have your back," Turner fondly recalls the establishment's philosophy under original owners Rodney and Theresa Marino, as stated in a Sterling Heights government publication.
Turner's journey at Old House began when she was just 17 and has since developed into what she describes as having a second set of parents in the Marinos. According to a government release, they instilled in her the art of creating lasting relationships with customers, a tradition she continues to uphold, even as she introduces new menu items. Their slogan, while suggestive of a rough-around-the-edges service, hides a more endearing truth. "The 'bad attitude' is just humorous—they truly have the best attitudes. The playful banter creates a very close, family-like bond. It’s never from a place of malice," Turner told the publication.
Turner's Filipino American heritage and her parents' passion for cooking have become a source of inspiration for the diner's evolving menu. Diner classics meet innovative dishes like ube chicken and waffles, satisfying both regulars and adventurers alike. "When Dubai chocolate became a trend, we did a stuffed French toast with strawberries and homemade filling. I’ll do ube chicken and waffles to play on Filipino food," Turner explained in the government publication. Despite limited advertising, and a modest facade, the diner's spirit and flavors continue to attract a dedicated clientele. Turner insists the small diner feel is an integral part of the charm and encourages newcomers to look beyond appearances.
The restaurant located at 44474 Mound Road, near Hall Road, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., except Wednesdays, offering both breakfast and lunch options. For Turner, the goal is not just to serve food but to create joyous experiences. "You can tell if somebody enjoys something from that first bite of food they take. Some people smile, nod their head, do a little happy dance," she said in the Sterling Heights government publication.
