A Leland staple on the verge of permanent closure

"When the prices of the eggs and the food had gone up, I did not put it onto my customers because I know that they're having it hard just as bad as I'm having it hard."

BRUNSWICK COUNTY (WWAY)–A diner that has been a fixture in the Leland community for decades could be forced to close. “Gaylyn’s Diner” is known for its home-style cooking and atmosphere.

Located inside the Citgo gas station on Village Road in Leland, there’s a southern home-cooked diner that needs a helping hand- Gaylyn’s Diner.

The restaurant has been in business for 2 decades. However, business started to take a downturn when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020. Orders were not coming as frequently. Food prices started increasing, which put owner Gaylyn Steelman in a pretty rough position. To make matters worse, her husband was diagnosed with cancer.

“It was blood cancer. He has three different blood cancers and bone cancer. So, now he has problems with his lungs that we’re going back to Chapel Hill for,” Steelman explained.

Steelman says the diner was her father’s dream. She had a personal mission to keep the establishment open. But, it became too much. Bills started falling behind. Then, she received an eviction letter in the mail.

“When the prices of the eggs and the food had gone up, I did not put it onto my customers because I know that they’re having it hard just as bad as I’m having it hard,” Steelman shared.

Steelman now has 26 days left to turn the restaurant around. Customers have been showing daily support. Ryan Watkins says he comes three to four times a week. Bryan Masterangelo complimented the burgers, saying, “They have the best burgers in town.”

Over time, her daughter Rebecca Bailey came in to help.

“It makes me sad because my mother inherited this from my grandfather,” Bailey said emotionally. “She’s been really upset. I’ve been trying to think of things that I can do to try to help save it and also make sure that she’s okay.”

So, as the clock ticks down, Gaylyn’s Diner remains a symbol of community and resilience. But time is running out. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest places need the biggest help.

“They’ve supported me, and I love them with all my heart. I’m going to miss them. I’m going to definitely miss them,” Steelman said.

A GoFundMe for the restaurant has been set up, and their goal is to reach $19,000. If you want to donate, click here.