Married for 53 years, Jack and Sonja Palmer have stolen America’s hearts. The highly circulated blooper reel from the production of a Dysart’s Restaurant commercial shows Jack trying to get his line right. Turns out, his performance is a bit “flaky.” Here is a little more backstory about Jack, Sonja, and their undying love of Dysart’s.

True Mainers:

Jack is originally from Hermon, Maine and Sonja grew up in Houlton. They now currently reside in Hermon, “only ‘bout 4 1/2 miles from Dysart’s.”

Jack’s explanation for why he couldn’t get the line right:

“Well, I was concentrating so hard! I’m a little hard of hearing. I mean, I’m 74 years old! It’s like I told Ric (Commercial Director), I really only know how to say two words and that’s ‘yes dear’.”

Why they love Dysart’s:

“Well, we’ve been going there everyday for 40 years and we just love it. The atmosphere is great and the people are the nicest you’ll ever meet.”

Favorite Dysart’s dishes:

Jack: “Oh, golly. I really like that seafood platter, but I can only have that now and then. I really like hamburgers...I get them all the time. It’s all so good!” When asked what Sonja likes: “Oh anything! She’s like a menu guinea pig. She just really likes food.”

What they think about all the fuss:

“Oh I just think it’s great! It’s nice that people are getting a laugh out of it. A lot of those bloopers out there are staged, you know. I kept thinking they were gonna fire me!”

Christmas Plans:

The Palmers will be heading to Dysart’s first thing in the morning for coffee just as they do every morning at 7:30 am.

Interesting Fact:

Jack and Sonja bought their first dog, Biscuit, from hitchhikers in the parking lot of Dysart’s for $5!