On March 13, 1991, Becky Rand opened Becky’s Diner on Portland’s working waterfront. Three and a half decades later, it remains an institution that feeds countless locals and tourists seven days a week, starting at 5 a.m.

To mark the diner’s 35th anniversary, here are five historical photos depicting some notable visitors and how both the interior and exterior have changed through the years.

The exterior of Becky’s Diner in 2004. (Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer)

On Nov. 4, 2000, then-presidential candidate Pat Buchanan made an appearance at Becky’s Diner. Buchanan was running on the Reform Party ticket. (Jill Brady/Staff Photographer)

Sen. Olympia Snowe talked with Carmen Horton and Cliff Daigle of Bridgton on Aug. 19, 2009. (John Ewing/Staff Photographer)

Press Herald reporter Ray Routhier learns grill cooking skills from Zach Rand at Becky’s Diner on Jan. 10, 2010. Here, Routhier deftly flips a pancake during breakfast. (Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer)

Actress Susan Sarandon stumps for Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders at Becky’s on Feb. 23, 2016. (Gabe Souza/Staff Photographer)

Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town…
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