Rooster’s Diner returns; new name, new owners, new menu

By Faith Hatton, posted Nov 18, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Rooster's Diner staff form left to right : Chef Lil Bit, Hailey Thompson, Dillon Thompson and Shannon.

An old school restaurant that has been serving hungry Fayetteville residents since the 1960s has been reopened to the community under new management.

Rooster’s Diner, formerly known as Rooster’s Cafe, is back in operation at their location at 3291 Cumberland Road in Fayetteville after closing briefly earlier this year. Husband and wife team Dillon and Hailey Thompson are the new smiling faces greeting customers as they come into the cozy space.

Hailey shared that their relationship with the owner of the building is what led to them taking over the space. The Thompsons aren’t new to food service and own and operate a food truck together called The Cavity Connection.

Rooster’s Diner officially reopened under their new name on Nov. 3, still serving traditional breakfast items including their “hubcap” pancakes (pictured).

“We've had our food truck for about five years. My husband has always wanted a restaurant. That's just always been what he wanted to do. And so he saw the opportunity, and he took it,” shared Hailey. “We got [the space] at the beginning of October, and we spent every day here cleaning and just getting everything ready. Then we did a soft opening that Friday, we just jumped in. It was not soft. This place was packed.”

Under the watchful eye of longtime Chef “Lil bit” Renee, they’ve now expanded into lunch, offering entrees like baked spaghetti, burgers, hot dogs and more.

Rooster’s Diner officially reopened under their new name on Nov. 3, still serving traditional breakfast items including their “hubcap” pancakes, omelets and breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Under the watchful eye of longtime Chef “Lil bit” Renee, they’ve now expanded into lunch, offering entrees like baked spaghetti, burgers, hot dogs and more.

“We added the whole lunch menu, but we kept the breakfast menu pretty basic. We kept the same cook. I know that was a big deal. Everybody asked and she's still here,” shared Hailey. “We are open for lunch and we’re open rain or shine.”

Rooster’s Diner is open from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. on Saturday serving breakfast only.

Follow them on Facebook for their daily menu offerings and announcements.

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