Winnie and Ethel’s Diner Wins ‘Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway’

The couple celebrates their victory, talks about their forthcoming pop-up event and plans to tie the knot this winter

Winnie and Ethel’s Diner officially has the right ingredients. The concept eatery has been named the winner of “The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway.” 

Off The Strip first talked to Mallory Gott and Chef Aaron Lee back in May just before they were set to debut their menu at the Las Vegas Test Kitchen.  Since then, the couple has kept busy working on their final design, readying for their big opening, and prepping for their ‘I Do’s.’

The Big Call

We caught up with the pair recently to see what is cookin’ since their big win. The couple reports getting a call from J Dapper—the company behind the competition—just after 10 a.m. on the morning of the announcement. Though the twosome knew that this was a life-changing event, they could not tell anyone until the rest of the world was alerted of their big win. 

It’s not surprising that they celebrated with food—Philly cheesesteaks to be exact.

“We had to keep the news to ourselves for a whole day, which was tough to say the least – we cheated a bit and told our moms though,” says Mallory.

Following this, the duo has stayed occupied with their respective jobs. “Aaron is still working at Esther’s and I am still running my experiential design firm (G+A design firm),” says Mallory.

Behind The Scenes

“As you might imagine, there’s a lot happening simultaneously,” says Mallory. “We’ve also got design underway with the first round of floor-plans in draft as we speak.”

You may recall that the concept for Winnie and Ethel’s had a family feel baked into its foundation.

“We cooked to make our family happy, it’s like it’s always a big thing,” says Chef Aaron. “We always gather around the table and eat together, and that’s kind of what we’re trying to do. We just like getting that same feeling that I had growing up in my family. It’s really important and I really hope that you guys get a chance to bring it to Las Vegas.”

Winnie and Ethel’s Diner founders, Mallory Gott and Chef Aaron Lee / Courtesy of Winnie and Ethel’s Instagram

That original concept’s design is not far off from what will greet patrons when it opens. 

“We should be able to stay very close to the design. As far as the menu goes, it’s going to be classic diner food with the occasional, delightful twist,” says Mallory.

It’s the “delightful twist” that is imperative for the pair, they stress that there will be no deviation because that’s what, “we want to cook for our community – good, loving food just like you [hopefully] had in grandma’s kitchen!”

Courtesy of Winnie and Ethel’s Instagram

But First – I Do!

As for when that will happen, well, the date isn’t quite set just yet. They are hoping for an early 2023 opening. Permitting and construction have caused the date to ebb and flow.

Before that, however, the couple, who first met on social media in March of 2021, are tying the knot this winter.

“And of course, somewhere in the midst of all that we’re getting married,” says Mallory.

The date of that blessed event is November 12. As if that isn’t enough, Winnie and Ethel’s are hoping to get another pop-up event under their belt. 

“We want people to have more opportunities to try out our food before the restaurant opens,” explains Mallory.

We will have to stay tuned to their social media for an announcement on that.

“Kismet,” as Mallory says, is the perfect way to describe their relationship. The pairing would have a considerable dose of luck,  good timing, and a generous list of ingredients that all come together to make their dream come true.

When Winnie and Ethel’s opens, it will be located at the Huntridge Shopping Center at 1120 E Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104.

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