Greek to Me 

• The former Libby's Blue Line Diner

William Maglaris already presides over a mini diner empire as owner of Henry’s Diner in Burlington, Arcadia Diner in South Burlington, Apollo Diner in Milton and Athena’s Diner in St. Albans. But one location has always called to him: the 1940s diner car in Colchester that until October housed Libby’s Blue Line Diner.

“I just always felt like this was an ideal location. Just the way it sat here up on the hill, it almost makes you feel like you’re on top of the world, presenting things to the people,” Maglaris says. Next week, he and business partner Bob Campolungo will have their own mini Mount Olympus when they open Athens Diner at the 46 High Point Center address.

Maglaris says the menu is more diverse than those of his other diners. More vegetarian items grace it, and the Greek food selection is perhaps the largest in the area. Staples such as souvlaki and gyros are available at Maglaris’ other diners, but Athens will also serve several lamb dishes, including a roasted lamb plate, and additional Greek specialties, such as the creamy noodle casserole called pastitsio. The diner’s decorations follow suit, with photos and knickknacks from Maglaris’ home in Greece.

House-baked pitas will soon join the Greek offerings; even right out of the gate, practically everything, including hamburger and sandwich rolls, will be baked at the diner. Maglaris says his staff will use Athens Diner as a pilot kitchen to experiment on innovations such as homemade English muffins and more whole-wheat choices. Sounds like Olympian appetites are in order.