Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. Editor's note: After this article was published, the owner pushed back the opening date to Feb. 16 or 17, because of delays in the delivery of some equipment. BENNINGTON â A returning resident has a Valentineâs Day gift for Bennington: reopening its historic Blue Benn diner. John Getchell, who became the dinerâs new owner just before Christmas, is planning to start serving customers on Sunday. âA Valentine for the town,â Getchell, 58, said while finishing the restaurantâs deep cleaning last week. Loyal customers shouldnât see a lot of changes from how the restaurant looked a year ago â before the pandemic led Mary Lou Monroe to selling the 72-year-old establishment. The Blue Bennâs layout, furniture and some staffers will remain the same, as will the menu.