Before you even reach the front door of Fender’s Diner in Cornelia, you understand its a hoppin’ place…even at 7 am for a Fender’s breakfast.
Whether you park in back, or in front, outdoor speakers play 1950s do-whop songs that have you singing along or snapping your fingers with delight. And fun times are just beginning as you swing open the front door and menu.
Fender’s Diner was originally established in 1996 by Russ Vinson, but has been owned and operated for over 3 years by Bradley Cook and his son Brandon. And today, it has become an icon in Downtown Cornelia, right down to the model 1950s miniature cars displayed in openings between the two dining rooms.
The smells of breakfast greet visitors walking in the front door who are also welcomed by an authentic telephone booth with pay phone from yonder days. At the cash register, a framed article published in Southern Living hangs on the wall, proudly, and just about every other square foot of Fender’s is loaded with 1950’s nostalgia. If you want to step back into Fonzie’s Happy Days, then Fender’s is the place.
We started with coffee, $ 1.69, and it was exceptional. Our meal included a loaded omelet, salsa, homemade grits, bacon and homemade biscuits. 
Even though the restaurant was very busy with morning customers, who begin arriving at 6:30 am on most days, our coffee was delivered pronto, along with a clever 1950s menu, and smile on the face of Linda Justice, our waitress. Back in the kitchen, Carol Whisnant, widely known in Habersham as a great cook for many years, prepares our morning meal.
For those who may not know, Fender’s Diner is a morning ritual for many men in Habersham. It has become a local gathering place in the early hours each day for guys to meet and talk about current events, life and of course, great food. Our own meal arrived quickly, hot, well prepared and very, very tasty. Linda kept the coffee cup full, and fun music from my own youthful days filled the air. Breakfast at Fender’s was, as expected from a 20 year history, perfect.
Fender’s Diner has remained a great place to eat any meal, and often includes car shows and other events. Check out their website at www.fendersrestaurant.com, where you will also find a complete menu.
We give Fender’s four huge stars for great food, service and atmosphere.
