Our Story
Back in 1934 Ed and Lucy Goff had a dream, to serve up the best home cooking in the area. In 1936, they watched as their first eatery, in Essex Connecticut, burned to the ground. In those days few had insurance, so without, Ed and Lucy moved to Lucy’s hometown of Manhattan, New York. Ed shoveled roads and subways to save enough money. Their goal was to return to Deep River for a fresh start. As Ed would say, "Everyone wants to be from Deep River!" Factories boomed with industry. The town had more work than hands. And in 1938, The Whistle Stop (then Ed's Diner) opened its doors. As time passed, the war efforts (WWII) were in full force, and factory work was steady and strong. It became Ed and Lucy's job to feed the workers! Every day at noon the factory whistle would blow. At Ed’s Diner there was a standing order for the workers lunch. 7 days a week, 365 days a year their little restaurant would send out enough for all. It was a family affair with Ed Jr. pressing the patties, Ed Sr. cooking and flipping, Norma (Goff) packaging and Lucy handing them out. As Ed’s health deteriorated, the restaurant changed hands and left the family.
Over 30 years later, Hedy Watrous (Ed’s granddaughter) wanted to bring the restaurant back into the family. Thrilled to have the restaurant returning to the family, the owners sold it to Hedy for its purchased value in 1956.
Throughout the years, The Whistle Stop has become a destination for many visitors. After successfully running the restaurant for 28 years, Hedy made the decision to step back a bit. Today her daughter Madeline (Ed & Lucys great granddaughter), now runs The Whistle Stop. Together, the Mother Daughter Duo brings unique and locally sourced Brunch options to the CT. Madeline hopes to maintain the same home-felt cooking as her family members before her with her plans to keep the restaurant in the family.
As Ed would say, “Everyone wants to be in Deep River!”
The family hopes you enjoy eating their creations as much as they love cooking for you.
