Good home cooking key to Dangerous Dan's success.
James McKinnon, owner of Dangerous Dan's diner, chopping up some peppers. Don't worry, he deep-fried them.
Photo/VICTORIA PTASHNICK
James McKinnon, owner of Dangerous Dan's diner in Riverside, said he's had to shop in the "hefty boy" section at clothing stores since opening his restaurant 12 years ago.
His cooks have had to do it, too.
All but one have gained weight since working at the diner that prides itself on its calorie-crammed cuisine.
Perhaps calorie-crammed is an understatement.
Coronary-clogging may be more accurate, particularly after McKinnon described how he makes his personal favourite sandwich, the Cereal Killer.
"You take a nice chicken breast and roll it up with a thick piece of cheddar cheese and peameal bacon. Then you roll her up in a good coating of Corn Flakes and deep fry it," McKinnon said, his blue eyes sparking as his thick hands demonstrated the instructions.
"Then ya poke a hole in the middle of the chicken to let the oil seep in there. The great thing is the Corn Flakes act like little flippers and just soak up all that grease."
Although the Cereal Killer sandwich is a good seller, McKinnon said the most popular item at the diner is the Coronary Burger special - 2 8oz patties, 4 slices of bacon, 2 slices of cheddar and a fried egg on top, served with fries and gravy, can of pop and mayo as a garnish - which he said he sells more than 50 each week.
McKinnon's recipes are original and he said he feels no remorse for the items on his menu, which can't be considered healthy-eating choices.
"I don't feel one smidge of guilt. I make it crystal clear what my food is, which is home cooking that will make you feel good. It's not bean sprouts and carrots. It's obvious that you shouldn't eat this for every meal," McKinnon said.
With items such as The Big Pig, The Big Kahuna and The 24-Oz. Quadruple C, most consumers would probably agree that it's perhaps the most unhealthy restaurant around.
While fast food chains have been trying to incorporate nutritious options for its health-conscious consumers, McKinnon said it is his rejection of this way of eating that makes his business successful.
"People appreciate honesty. I hear all the time that they love the advertising, it's what works for us," McKinnon said.
Upon entering the small diner at 714 Queen Street East (at Broadview Ave.) it's obvious McKinnon has no bones about expressing his love of meat.
Quotes are painted on the wall, one which reads, "Vegetarian is nature's word for bad hunter." A cut-out paper cow dangles from the ceiling.
"We are who we are. We think food should be fun here. If you're super politically correct or uptight, you probably won't enjoy being a customer of mine," McKinnon said.
While the diner is popular with many, not everyone is a fan.
"I've had a few who have a problem with what they think is us endorsing obesity and what not. Not too long ago, I had a girl come in with her boyfriend late at night and she was horrified at our attitude toward vegetarianism," he said.
McKinnon said he has no problem with vegetarianism; he used to date a vegetarian. He grew tired of boiling potatoes for her, he said.
"I have no issue with vegetarians. I just don't understand why they come in here and expect me to cater to them. Even though we do have a veggie burger, we are a meat burger joint. I wouldn't go into the veggie hut and order a T-bone," he said.
McKinnon said the Riverside community, which he estimates accounts for about half his business, has been supportive of the diner and has made it the success it is today.