Delicious American Diner Classics

Meet our Awesome Chefs

Chef A.J.  

As sun rises over the Sierra foothills, Chef A.J. brings his Texas soul to every morning at Marlene & Glen’s “Dead Fly Diner.” With decades of Navy‑honed precision and Southern hospitality, he artfully combines robust spices, soulful cooking techniques, and locally sourced ingredients to create a dinner service that’s both hearty and heartwarming. Each plate arrives infused with bold, smoky undertones and a touch of sweet heat—balanced by thoughtfully crafted sides that honor traditional Southern roots. Whether you’re craving the comforts of home cooked classics or eager for a new twist on familiar flavors, Chef A.J.’s signature dinner offerings promise a memorable taste of Lone Star flair right here in Amador County.

Chef Phillip

A true local through and through—born in Placerville and raised in Plymouth—Phillip is the friendly face behind the scenes at Marlene & Glen’s “Dead Fly Diner.” Fresh out of Independence High (Class of 2023) and steeped in Amador County life, he brings hometown pride to every dish he helps create.

When he’s not experimenting with new recipes alongside his fellow cooks, you’ll find Phillip at the river enjoying his time off.  Off the clock, he’s surrounded by his close‑knit circle of friends.

Phillip’s creativity shines not only on the stove but also on the plate—with his signature avocado flower designs adding a touch of elegance and fun to every breakfast and brunch special. Quick to learn the art of scratch cooking and even quicker to flash a warm smile, he brightens every shift with an encouraging word and genuine enthusiasm.

His friendly spirit, can‑do attitude, and small‑town charm remind us all why the “Dead Fly Diner” feels like family. Pull up a stool and let Chef Phillip’s welcoming presence—and his stunning avocado blossoms—make your next meal something truly special!

Chef Sabrina

Hailing originally from Antioch and now calling Valley Springs home, Sabrina brings five years of culinary creativity and flair to the heart of Marlene & Glen’s “Dead Fly Diner.” With every dish she crafts—whether it’s our fluffy omelets or juicy hamburgers—you can taste her passion for fresh, ingredients and her adventurous spirit in the kitchen.

A devoted mom of three (her eldest son is 28, daughter 22, and youngest son 21), Sabrina balances family life with her love for animals, tending her backyard menagerie with the same care she pours into her signature recipes. When she’s not plating up your favorite comfort classics, you’ll find her digging into her vegetable garden or lost in the world of art and poetry—sometimes penning a verse about the day’s harvest or the perfect golden-brown toast. Sabrina’s warm hospitality, poetic soul, and genuine love for good food make every meal at the “Dead Fly Diner” a handcrafted celebration of community—and a taste you won’t soon forget.

Dead Fly Diner Story

Once upon a time in a small town called Sutter Hill, Marlene and Glen's Diner was the place to be. Customers flocked to their diner to indulge in their delicious food and friendly service. Unfortunately, disaster struck when the diner burnt down, leaving Marlene and Glen devastated. But this didn't stop them from pursuing their passion. Theyopened up a new diner in bustling downtown Jackson and continued to serve up mouth-watering meals. However, fate had other plans for them, and they eventually decided to relocate to Plymouth.

After years of hard work and dedication, Marlene and Glen decided to retire to the bright lights of Las Vegas. But their legacy lived on when Karen and Mike bought the diner in January of 1999.

Little did Karen and Mike know that their new business would face a peculiar challenge when the Fair closed at the

end of July. The town was overrun with flies due to the animals' droppings. But Karen and Mike were not ones to give up easily. They headed to the store and purchased 20 flyswatters and brought them back to the diner. To make the best out of a bad situation, Karen and Mike

struck a deal with their customers. For every fly they killed, they would receive 10 cents off their meal, up to a maximum of $1.00. And thus, the Dead Fly Diner was born. Even assemblyman Rico Oller was a regular customer, boasting that he killed over 75 flies at the diner. But being a typical politician, he only received $1.00 off his meal. Years have passed since then, but people still come to the Dead Fly Diner and ask about the story.

Meet Jessica!  

For 18 wonderful years—on and off—Jessica has been the heart and soul behind countless meals at Marlene & Glen’s “Dead Fly Diner.” With her friendly grin and encyclopedic memory for regulars’ favorite orders, she effortlessly turns every table into a reunion of friends.

A proud mom to a 17‑year‑old daughter, a spirited 4‑year‑old and   son, Jessica seamlessly juggles family life and serving up smiles.  Newly married and glowing with happiness, she lights up the diner just as brightly as the California sun she adores.

When she’s not creating the perfect brunch experience—fluffing pancakes or pouring that morning coffee just right—you’ll find her spending quality time with  loyal pup Giuseppe. For Jessica, there’s no place quite like the “Dead Fly Diner”: it’s where community, comfort food, and family all come together—her home away from home. Come say hello, and let Jessica make your day a little brighter!

Meet Nicole!

A proud Amador County resident for the past decade (with roots in Arden Arcade, Sacramento), Nicole brings her boundless energy and community spirit straight to Marlene & Glen’s “Dead Fly Diner.” Newly married to her best friend Jarred and doting mom to a bright 17‑year‑old daughter and their sweet baby boy Walker, Nicole wears many hats—and still finds time to make our diner shine.

An outdoor enthusiast at heart, you’ll often hear her trading tales of riverside picnics, mountain hikes, and lakeside fishing adventures between seating guests. Nicole and her husband also harvest ladybugs—she says there's ladybugs everywhere, but they are better than spiders.

In fact, Nicole was instrumental in rolling up her sleeves and transforming our cozy eatery for reopening—painting walls, arranging décor, and infusing every corner with her infectious can‑do attitude. For Nicole, Marlene & Glen’s isn’t just her second home.  Stop by and let Nicole’s warm welcome—and her charming ladybug stories—remind you why our diner feels like family!

Meet José—our kitchen’s unsung hero and speed maestro! With the precision of a Swiss watch and the energy of a hummingbird, José tackles towering racks of plates, pans, and glassware in record time—always with a friendly smile and an ever‑present can‑do attitude. Whether the lunch rush hits or a dinner party spills over, he’s there, blade‑sharp focus in one hand and a sparkling clean plate in the other. Quick, reliable, and endlessly upbeat, José keeps our diner running smoothly behind the scenes—so you can enjoy every bite in spotless style!

Meet Ricky—our spirited student extraordinaire who balances high school hallways by day and diner duties by evening! With a bright smile and boundless enthusiasm, he greets every guest like an old friend, His warm energy, can‑do attitude, and genuine care for each guest make him not just a student worker, but a shining example of youth, grit, and community spirit. Ricky’s passion for learning—and for serving up great experiences—ensures every visit leaves you smiling, full, and ready to root him on at his next big test!