Gov. Hogan Begins First Full Day With Traditional Diner Breakfast

By Deidre McPhillips

Capital News Service

How does a new governor start his first full day in office?

For newly sworn in Gov. Larry Hogan, it’s with a glass of orange juice, a bagel with cream cheese and a glance over the morning paper in the “Governor’s Booth” at Chick and Ruth’s Delly.

Starting with Gov. Marvin Mandel in 1969, it’s been tradition for each newly inaugurated governor to dine at Chick and Ruth’s on Main Street in Annapolis for breakfast the morning after their inauguration, said owner Ted Levitt.

When Hogan walked into the brightly colored diner just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday, restaurant-goers were excited, but not surprised.

“I’ve shook his hand here tons of times,” said Joe O’Neill, 78, of Severna Park, who joins a group of friends for breakfast at Chick and Ruth’s every day.

Hogan led the group in the daily Pledge of Allegiance, and then joined his daughters and their families for a bite to eat, the group spilling over into two booths.

»PHOTO: Following Maryland tradition, Gov. Larry Hogan arrived at Chick & Ruth’s Delly on Main Street in Annapolis for breakfast just after 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, the day after his inauguration. Capital News Service photo by Deidre McPhillips.