Zayn’s Diner Plus: A Family Affair

On April 17, the owners of Zayn’s Diner Plus — Sam, Linda, Zayn, and Keith Alhalabi — warmly welcomed guests to the official ribbon cutting and plaque ceremony of their new restaurant, located at 4320 52 Street in Vermilion.

The event was attended by Karen Hughes, Executive Director of the Vermilion & District Chamber of Commerce; Mary Lee Prior, the Town of Vermilion’s Economic Development Officer; and Shannon Harrower, the Town’s newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer.

To mark the occasion, the Alhalabi family and their enthusiastic team served a tempting array of dishes during their soft launch, featuring comfort food done right. Guests also enjoyed a sneak peek at some of the specialty items that will be offered through their catering services, showcasing both creativity and culinary flair.

With a rich background in the food and hospitality industry, the Alhalabi family brings years of experience and a deep-rooted passion for service.

“We are a family-owned diner — mainly me and my dad,” explained Zayn. “We’re originally from Edmonton, but my parents are from a small village in Lebanon named Yanta. I have two siblings: my younger brother Yazen is helping us out here, while my older brother Hisayn is finishing his Master’s degree in phycology in Edmonton. My mom, Linda, is here with my dad and me every day, helping to run the diner.

“My dad has worked in restaurants for over 25 years, and I’ve worked in a variety of restaurants myself. I also completed two years of professional culinary training at NAIT in Edmonton, graduating with honours.”

Zayn’s Diner Plus represents more than just a new eatery, it’s a heartfelt commitment to becoming part of a warm, close-knit community.

“Our goal is to offer real food, done right — from local families to travelers passing through. We’re here to serve up diner favourites that hit the spot. It’s everything you expect from a diner — plus more.” “We chose to bring our restaurant to Vermilion because of its warm, family-friendly atmosphere,” added Zayn.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a cozy dinner with friends, Zayn’s Diner Plus invites you to stop by and experience their delicious menu and welcoming hospitality.

“We will have daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials, as well as a new soup of the day every day,” said Zayn. “We’re also happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, vegetarian, and various allergies. Our catering services are available for companies or events, with dishes that may not be on the regular menu, including cultural foods like those served at our opening day buffet.”

The newly renovated diner features a vibrant red, white, and black colour scheme that combines 70s–80s retro charm with modern comfort. A standout feature is the sunroom dining area, a naturally lit space that’s perfect for a relaxing meal.

Throughout the launch, Sam, Linda, Zayn, and Keith made a point of personally connecting with every guest, ensuring everyone felt welcome and well-fed. Their dedication to genuine hospitality shone through in every detail, from generous portions to heartfelt smiles.

“We would like to thank the Town of Vermilion and the kind-hearted people who gave us their input, showed patience during our setup, and helped us get off to a positive start,” expressed Zayn.

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday: 6:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 9

p.m.

They proudly serve breakfast, lunch, and supper daily.For orders, catering inquiries, or more information, call 780-853-2204.