Though only open for about a month, Tia Benedict and her mother Karen are already earning the reputation of offering some of the best burgers in town at their new Rocket Diner in downtown Long Beach. DAMIAN MULINIX photo

LONG BEACH – With Memorial Day Weekend right around the corner and glimpses of the sun becoming more predictable, the summer months of fun, relaxation and barbecues are on their way. But even if the rain continues longer than expected, Peninsula residents can still enjoy a fun and tasty meal at Long Beach’s newest dining option, The Rocket Diner.

Owner Tia Benedict purchased the former Be Bop Diner from Harold and Kathy Grimes. Her first day of business was April 13.

A family-friendly restaurant with nostalgic décor and reasonable prices, the Rocket Diner serves home-style, made-to-order hamburgers, sandwiches, chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, Kosher beef hot dogs, bratwurst, chili dogs and items from a children’s menu.

When you drop in, be sure to save room for one of their 15 flavors of shakes and malts or a sundae to enjoy while listening to the timeless classics on the jukebox.

“After working in several restaurants, I thought it would be fun to try my hand at running one,” says Benedict, who works alongside her mother, Karen. “We hope people will enjoy our homemade food in our cute little diner. I got the rocket idea from an American-style diner I worked at called Eddie Rocket’s. I wanted that American diner feel but also wanted to keep some of the 50s style from the Be Bop, so I chose the rocket theme – it’s different.”

The Rocket Diner is located at 110 Pacific Avenue South in Long Beach and is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their phone number is 642-3337.