The Dinky Diner's journey from devastation to a triumphant reopening is a testament to community strength and effective resource utilization. After a fire left the diner in ruins on March 26, 2023, the path to recovery seemed daunting. However, with the support of the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC), the diner found a way forward.

The owner, Rick Covin, expressed profound gratitude for the assistance received: 

"I would like to take a moment to thank the Oneida County Economic Development Corporation for helping to make the resurrection of the Dinky Diner possible.  After our business was totally destroyed by fire on March, 26th 2023 we didn't know how we would ever be able to start up again.  Terrie knew about OCEDC from their work with AbX so we contacted the folks at OCEDC and they started working on our needs right away and put us in touch with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for assistance with funding.  When it was evident that this project would require even more funds than could be accessed through normal bank mortgages and WEDC assistance the folks at OCEDC stepped up once again and hooked us up with E-loans which assists small businesses in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin who can not obtain funding through normal banking routes.

So.  In a nutshell?  If it hadn't been for all the resources that OCEDC made available to us, the Dinky Diner would never have been able to rise from the ashes to serve good food & drink to the people of our area once again."  

Rick Covin
Owner, R&T's Not So Dinky Diner