Rogan’s Diner To Close on Sunday
Rogan’s Bakery and Restaurant, an Exeter staple, will open for the last time on Sunday, Feb. 28. For 26 years, the beloved family-run business has served breakfast and lunch to the Exeter community, and many students are sad about its closing.
In 1990, James Rogan and his son, Billy, opened the restaurant after Billy returned from serving in the army. A few years later, James’ daughter, Jen, began working part time. James retired five years ago, but today several members of the Rogan family still work there. Even 10-year-old Max comes in every weekend to run the cash register. According to the owners, other workers such as Wendy, who has waitressed there for 22 years, have begun to feel a part of the family as well.
“We love the fact that it’s a relatively inexpensive place with good food and friendly staff.”
The two current owners, Billy and Jen, were introduced to a family-oriented business at a young age. They both grew up working at their parents’ bakery in York, Maine. At Rogan’s, Billy cooks and bakes while Jen runs the front and book keeps. She said that sometimes, when needed, she also waitresses or washes dishes.“It has been a long, good run and I think we are both ready to move on to new challenges and our next phase in life—our new adventure,” Jen said.
The pair first considered closing a few years ago and decided to list the building in October. The property was thereafter sold to developers in Portsmouth who hope to find someone to run a new restaurant at the spot. Jen explained how the restaurant business can be tough, especially at Rogan’s where they work early mornings, holidays and weekends.
When the restaurant announced their last day of business on their Facebook page, the post got over 150 shares, several of whom were from Academy students, and over 100 comments from customers expressing their sadness. A large black chalkboard which normally displays information about daily specials, is currently covered in farewell wishes from customers and students.
“Hopefully someone will get in here because people aren’t very happy with me right now,” Jen joked.
For many Exeter students, Rogan’s has been a popular and dependable brunch spot, known for its good food and reasonable prices. Upper Cory Mengden discovered the restaurant during his prep year and now goes almost every Sunday with senior Malcolm Ogden.
“It was a nice place to go to because we could also pop over to Walgreens after eating,” Mengden commented. Ogden first went with his lacrosse team two years ago. “We love the fact that it’s a relatively inexpensive place with good food and friendly staff,” Ogden said. “I’m a big fan of the spinach feta and bacon scrambler, but also obviously love their pancakes,” he added.
For upper Lauren Fidelak, the eggs Benedict with a side chocolate pancake are a definite favorite. She describes Rogan’s as a go-to place for her and her friends. “My family always goes out to places like that on the weekends so it reminds me of being home,” Fidelak explained.
Senior Will Rau ate at Rogan’s for the first time during his lower fall when he went with seniors from his dorm. “It was almost the perfect environment—good food, good people,” Rau said. He also remembers going there for omelets and tea with his friends on Principal’s Day last year, describing it as “one of the best bonding experiences I’ve had here.” Rau recommended the sausage and cheese omelet with red sauce for anyone making a last stop this weekend.
After Rogan’s announced it was closing, many students were sad to say goodbye to the beloved restaurant. “When my parents come to town, we always go to Rogan’s, so they were pretty upset,” Fidelak said. Ogden was shocked and saddened, explaining that whenever he goes, “it seems pretty packed so I was confused about what forced them to shut down.” Mengden speculated that its closing may “push a lot of business to the restaurant at the Exeter Inn because it is the only nearby place that serves good breakfast food.”
Exonians will especially miss their tradition of eating breakfast at Rogan’s on the last day of school. Annually, students race to the restaurant on the last day to attain the first spot in line. Last year, the first group of students to arrive in the parking lot at 5 a.m. was from Amen Hall. Upper Caroline Davis explained how the group beat Cilley Hall in the race over and managed to snag tables for everyone. The race to Rogan’s is a dearly cherished tradition in Amen Hall; they have arrived first at the brunch spot for the past three years. “We had to wait outside for an hour before they opened, but it was still fun because we got to spend time with our seniors for the last time,” Davis said.
After 26 years, Jen Rogan is familiar with the tradition and has enjoyed having so many Exeter students come in to eat throughout her time running Rogan’s. “They’ve always been really kind and we’ve had a great run with them and that will be hard too—to miss seeing everyone.”