After more than three decades, it has become a Mathews institution.

Since 1983, Linda’s Diner has gained a well-deserved reputation for good food and friendly service at fair prices.

If you look closely, you’ll see the edge of lunch counter is worn from years of customers rubbing their bellies up against it, bellies that grew a little fuller thanks to the countless cheeseburgers, French fries, eggs, bacon and pancakes served here.

While none of that is expected to change, one change did take place recently. On Friday, Heather Wooten—who has worked at the popular breakfast and lunch spot for the past seven years—took over as owner of the restaurant, buying the business from Linda Fitchett.

Regular customers probably won’t notice much of a difference, and that’s just fine with Wooten. Asked if she had any big changes planned, she just smiled and said “no.” Even the name will remain the same; Wooten recently got the business incorporat...