Loey’s Place is the next generation of a popular Main Street diner
Published on January 16th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - Jane Goldstein has always loved to cook, and now she’s sharing that love with all of Stoneham.
Loey’s Place will be the new name of the Blue Parrot Cafe when the sign goes up any day now. Former Parrot owner Bob Sweeney sold the diner to Jane and Scott Goldstein on Jan. 1, and Jane opened the doors for business on Jan. 2.
Goldstein graduated from Stoneham High in 1974 as Jane Clark, and she and Scott live on Green Street. She carries on the tradition of local ownership at the popular 362 Main St. spot.
“I was doing hospice work for the VNA, but after my mother’s death that work just made me too sad. I worked for Stoneham Dialysis for a year, but then I decided to make a change,” Goldstein says.
“My mother always told me I should do something like this,” Goldstein says. “Everyone always called her Loey.”
Loey’s place is definitely a family affair. Goldstein’s daughter Jill Casaccio, a 19-year-old, part-time model, will work full time as a waitress. Goldstein’s daughter Kim Mas often stops by to help with her son Jason.
“I’m three. I’m the egg-cracker,” Jason announces, proud to be a part of the family business.
And Goldstein’s son Doug, a waiter at the Park Plaza’s Bonfire Grill, is always quick with good advice for mom.
Loey’s place will serve all the things folks were used to at the Parrot plus fresh pies. Also, the decor looks a little more... well, let’s just say patrons will recognize the woman’ touch. New plates, place mats and a paint job are examples.
“I want the place to be more inviting for women and children,” Goldstein says. “But I think the old regulars will like it too.”
Sweeney has been helping out with advice and encouragement, and Goldstein says she’s grateful.
It was one of Sweeney’s regular who tipped Goldstein off about the diner. Safety Officer Larry Rotondi has eaten his share of BLTs at the Blue Parrot, and during one of these lunches Sweeney mentioned he was looking to sell. Rotondi told his wife Sharon who told her pal, Goldstein. And now Sharon is working part-time at the diner.
“Larry’s my toughest critic,” Goldstein laughed along with Sharon.
Some things have changed. Some have stayed the same.
The hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to noon.
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