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Lee’s Corner Kitchen Opens in Former Baja Charlie’s Location

by Ella

A dream years in the making, Lee’s Corner Kitchen has officially opened its doors in Lee, Massachusetts, at 62 West Center St. The new establishment is the brainchild of Emre and Sinem Semerci, who met while working at a luxury resort in Maine — Emre as a waiter and Sinem as a professional cook. After years of planning, the couple decided to make their dream a reality by creating a restaurant that offers American-style breakfast and lunch dishes with a focus on freshly baked goods made in-house.

From Dream to Reality

Opening their restaurant was a long-term goal for the Semercis, and they chose Lee due to its charming small-town feel and welcoming community. Sinem shared, “When we visited the town and met with Charlie (former owner of Baja Charlie’s), we instantly loved it here. The town has such a lovely, inviting atmosphere, and we knew it was the perfect place to open our restaurant.” Emre added, “It’s that small-town charm that really drew us in.”

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Lee’s Corner Kitchen occupies the location that was once Baja Charlie’s California Cuisine, which closed in September. The couple purchased the furniture, fixtures, and equipment from the previous owner, Charles Hebler, giving the space a new life while maintaining some of its former character.

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A Fresh Take on Breakfast and Lunch

Lee’s Corner Kitchen offers a menu of American-style breakfast and lunch options, which includes popular dishes like the California Benedict, classic Benedict, and the cornerstone Benedict. These egg-based dishes have already become some of the most popular items at the new restaurant.

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In addition to their breakfast specialties, Lee’s Corner Kitchen also offers a Greek dish they call their “favorite” — Chicken Souvlaki Pita, which showcases the Semercis’ diverse culinary influences.

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“We started with American cuisine because that’s what we’ve been working on, and we felt there was a gap in the area for a great breakfast spot,” Emre explained. Sinem added, “We want to try different kinds of cuisines over time, including Turkish dishes, especially in the summer months.”

The couple has already received positive feedback and is open to customer suggestions, eager to continue evolving their menu to meet the community’s tastes.

A Friendly, Community-Centered Experience

The name “Lee’s Corner Kitchen” was chosen with the intent to create a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Emre and Sinem want their restaurant to be a casual place where people can feel comfortable, relax, and enjoy delicious food.

“We want to be attentive to our customers and create an environment that feels friendly and inviting,” Emre said, while Sinem emphasized, “It’s about providing a space where people can come together and enjoy not just great food but also a warm, welcoming vibe.”

Soft Opening Success and Community Support

Though the restaurant’s exterior sign hasn’t yet been updated, the Semercis’ soft opening was a success. The couple received a warm reception from the community, with locals stopping by to check out the new spot and enjoy some of the food on offer.

“The first day was more of a test for us — to try our kitchen and see how things would flow. But by the second day, we had a good lunch rush, and the support from the community was incredible,” Emre shared.

The Semercis expressed their gratitude for the friendly and helpful locals who made the transition into their new restaurant smooth. “The people here have been so welcoming,” Emre said. “They’ve made the preparation process so much easier for us, and we’re really thankful for that.”

Hours and Future Plans

Lee’s Corner Kitchen is currently open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. While the restaurant is still in its early days, the couple has big plans for the future. They hope to expand their offerings over time, incorporating different cuisines and special dishes based on customer feedback.

For now, the Semercis are thrilled to be part of the Lee community, bringing their love for cooking and their dream to life in the town they now call home.

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