After 45 years as a beloved fixture in downtown Waynesville, the Village Family Restaurant is entering an exciting new chapter. The iconic small-town diner, known for its friendly service and warm community atmosphere, has been sold to a team of local entrepreneurs: Angela Wagner, Taylor Ritter, Mike LaJeunesse, and Jon LaJeunesse. The new owners will officially take over operations on October 1, 2025.
Since it first opened its doors, the Village Family Restaurant has served as a gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors, earning a reputation for comfort food and genuine hospitality. The previous owner, Lacie Sims, reflected on her time at Village, sharing, “The very first time I walked into Village I knew it was a special place. From the easy smile on Karen’s face when she brought breakfast to us and our friends, to the kind warmth shared between regulars at different tables, it was immediately clear that this place is special to many special people. Over the last 45 years, Village has grown into the place that it is – that sees many of the same people come in day after day – Village is their family, and they are family to those of us honored to cook for and serve them. Lacie shares, “I’m so excited to share that I’ve found the exact right team to take Village into the future. Angie, Taylor, Mike, and Jon are excited to honor the past and embrace the future of what is truly a Waynesville institution. I can’t wait for you to meet them.”
Angie, Mike, Taylor, and Jon bring a shared passion for both tradition and innovation to the Village Family Restaurant. Their vision is to honor all that makes the diner special — from its loyal regulars to its classic menu — while also looking ahead to current and future dining and entertainment trends. Guests can expect the same welcoming atmosphere and familiar faces, along with fresh ideas and enhancements designed to serve the evolving needs of the Waynesville community.
The new owners expressed their gratitude for being entrusted with this local treasure and their commitment to continuing Village’s legacy as a “home away from home” for generations of diners. “We are thrilled to be part of Village’s story, and we look forward to serving our neighbors with the same warmth and hospitality that has defined this diner for decades,” said the ownership team.
The transition marks a new era for the Village Family Restaurant, one that builds upon its rich history and embraces the bright future ahead. The community is invited to stop by, meet the new owners, and be a part of the next chapter of Waynesville’s favorite diner, starting October 1, 2025.
Waynesville, OH 45068
