Come here often?

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According to its well-known, bouncy slogan, "Everybody who knows goes to Melrose." The catchphrase, invented in 1963 during a conversation between founder Richard Kubach Sr. and a local radio advertiser, forever lingers amongst the close-knit, family atmosphere the Melrose Diner has come to stand for. But lately, even those "in the know" are unsure what’s to become of the familiar eatery at 1501 Snyder Ave.

Harkening back to a classic diner feel, with its rustic interior, compact seating and old-fashioned mood, the Melrose has taken pride in long providing a friendly attitude, traditional comfort food and a local touch. Some would say, after all these years in the heart of South Philadelphia, the diner has grown into an area landmark.

Opened in 1935 by German immigrant Kubach, the Melrose Diner has always been family owned and operated — until now.

June 26, the 60-year-old owner retired and sold the Melrose to diner magnate Michael Petrogiannis. Now headed by the man at the helm of nine other eateries in Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County, including Michael’s Family Restaurant, questions have been swirling as to whether the Melrose will lose the charms that make it so popular.

According to longtime patron Police Chief Inspector Bill Colarulo, the menu’s specials have been linked to the same designated item numbers for so long his brother — a Philadelphia native living in Florida for more than 10 years — returned in November to find his favorite meal, Creamed Chipped Beef, just where he left it.

In recent published reports, Petrogiannis, who has already taken over the establishment, promised "nothing will change," but to the loyal and hungry, actions will speak louder than words.

"I’m not happy," Loretta Cerceo, of 20th and Ritner streets, said while enjoying a late breakfast at the Melrose last week. "I’ve gotten so used to so many of the aspects of the diner over the years that I’ve frequented this place.

"I’ve heard rumors that they’re going to take the counters away or try and copy the image of the Penrose [Diner], and that makes me worry that they are also going to use that as an excuse to eliminate some of the waitresses. I just hope whatever they do, they don’t involve the workers and their jobs."

Colarulo, of Broad and Shunk streets, agreed: "I go into the Melrose at least once or twice a week, and I’m really hoping things don’t change.

"It’s a comfortable place, you can feel at home with people that you recognize or even know. Some of the waitresses have been there ever since I was a little kid, and things like that have helped it become more than just a neighborhood staple. I love the ambience. I know that’s a strange word to use for a diner, but it’s the truth."

All questions about the diner’s future were referred by the manager to Petrogiannis. "No decisions have been made thus far," a representative for the owner said yesterday. "We don’t know what will be decided. For now, the Melrose will run as it always has, and [the] rumors are just that — rumors."

Yet, not all South Philadelphians are worried about the change of hands. Patron Gary Costello, of 17th Street and Oregon Avenue, thinks it should have been done a long time ago.

"They can only better the place," he said. "This place isn’t constantly filled anymore."

Many think Melrose’s consistency is one of its best qualities and would like to see its dependability continue.

"Some of us can’t handle change like that. We don’t want it," Cerceo said. "I’ve also heard they might get a hostess, so you wouldn’t be able to sit wherever you want. It’s been that way forever; it would be tough to see things like that change."

Whether Melrose remains the eatery so many love or makes changes others would like to see is yet to be determined. But it’s clear the regulars who drop by the counter for a cup of joe or stop in for a late-night snack have grown to appreciate what Kubach created more than half-century ago.

Even customer Costello expressed a soft spot for the place, nestled among his many suggestions. "At least you’re always in-and-out," he said on his way out of the diner’s door after grabbing a traditionally diner-quick Saturday-afternoon lunch.