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.

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 Our Amazing Waitress Staff!

Our waitresses are truly the heart and soul of Marlene & Glen’s “Dead Fly Diner.” Together, they bring years of experience, friendly smiles, boundless energy, and a genuine love for the people of Amador County. They remember our regulars and their favorite orders, welcome first-time guests like old friends, and have a special way of making every table feel like a family reunion.

Behind those smiles are hardworking mothers, wives, outdoor enthusiasts, animal lovers, and dedicated members of our community. They balance busy family lives while still making time to pour your morning coffee just right, serve up a delicious meal, share a story, and brighten your day.

Our waitress staff has also played an important role behind the scenes—painting, decorating, preparing for our reopening, and helping make the diner the warm and welcoming place it is today. To them, Marlene & Glen’s isn’t just a workplace; it’s a second home where community, comfort food, friendship, and family come together.

Stop by and let our wonderful waitress staff show you why the “Dead Fly 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!