Don't let the chain-link fences and construction tape out front fool you: Jack's Diner is back in business.

Don�t let the chain-link fences and construction tape out front fool you: Jack�s Diner is back in business.

Chris Kowalski�s restaurant, which was closed for about a year, reopened May 12 at 52 E. Lynn St. Downtown.

Kowalski said he added some items to its classic diner menu including customized omelets, wraps and fresh salads.

However, the place has not given up its golden greasy-spoon status, offering inexpensive, made-to-order fare, such as cheeseburgers, meatloaf sandwich, sausage gravy and biscuits. Steak and eggs is the most expensive dish at $10.25.

Kowalski, a trained chef, continues to serve up scratch-made hotcakes, waffles and other breakfast fare.

He closed the restaurant last May after his wife, Kathy, died. Other family matters kept him away from the griddle.

Still, he always planned to return.

�I never was really looking to get out,� he said. �This is all I really know how to do.�

Jack�s is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.