CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Maid Marian’s Diner in Charlottetown didn’t have to look too far for its new owner.
On Thursday, Robert MacLellan, owner and pharmacist of the adjacent Sherwood Drug Mart, and his wife Stephanie Drake, bought the popular diner from Peter and Wendy Walker.
“It was something I thought would be in everyone’s best interest, really. It is an iconic diner, that’s for sure,” MacLellan said on Friday.
MacLellan was already Maid Marian’s landlord. Now, he owns both the building and the business. Also, Wendy Walker is MacLellan’s sister.
“The staff feel better because it’s just Wendy’s brother,” he said. “It’s been in the works for a while. They’ve been at it for about 30 years. And, they just thought, at this time in their life, they might like to retire.”
The diner opened on Feb. 9, 1987. On May 20, 2010, a fire broke out at Maid Marian’s and destroyed both that building and Sherwood Drug Mart. Both were rebuilt in the original area on Ellis Road near the Brackley Point Road and Belvedere Avenue intersection.
“I’m a few steps away, so I think it’s a pretty good fit. We’ve been through a lot together. There’s been quite a history there,” said MacLellan.
Before Thursday, Michael Profitt was a cook at Maid Marian’s. Now, he’s the diner’s new manager.
Profitt has been with the diner for 12 years. For the past couple of years, he’s taken on more of a role in terms of helping managing the diner.
Even though he knew for a while that the Walkers were looking to move on, he said news of the sale was still a bit of a shock.
“They’ve been here so long,” he said. “Plus, I’m excited for the opportunity that’s come my way.”
Profitt said it was reassuring to learn that the business is being kept in the family.
“I hear from people that he’s a great guy and a great guy to work for. And, I look forward to putting my time in with him.”
