Long before People magazine reported Hollywood gossip, Movieland and Silver Screen kept readers informed about the lives of Andy Williams, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby. All the memorabilia, along with photos such as one of Burt Lancaster mugging it up with Barbara Stanwyck, come from owner Man Kim's personal collection.

Kim graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in history, which explains why Lori's is a blast from the past. Because he's a historian, Kim says, "I'm very familiar with the '50's."

So think back to the days before anybody ever heard of cholesterol when ordering biscuits and gravy for breakfast. A one-third pound Cadillac Burger comes with cheese and fries, potato salad or cole slaw.

The extensive menu has a little something for everyone: open face roast beef or turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy, along with meat loaf, fish and chips and chicken fried steak. Vegetarians aren't forgotten, either. The "Veggie Delights" section features sandwiches and several of the salads are meatless as well.

Lori's is located at the old Rib Crib site on Stevens Creek Boulevard near Blaney Avenue.

"When the restaurant was available," Kim says, "I made a deal with the landlord. Cupertino is a nice town. It has good schools and a good mix of neighbors."

Kim envisions Lori's as a community restaurant. "I love being involved in community activities," he says. To that end, he's already participating in the Chamber of Commerce.

When Lori's opened in early July, Kim hosted a chamber mixer so he could get to know people in his new community. He plans to work with other community groups such as the PTA and Little League

"We are very much trying to promote goodwill wherever we go," he says. In San Francisco, which is corporate headquarters, Kim is leading an effort to re-model a church kitchen that serves the city's homeless.

The Cupertino Lori's is Kim's fifth diner. The original Lori's opened in 1985 at Mason and Geary streets. He also owns the Sushi Boat Restaurants at Westgate and Valley Fair. Plans for a Betty Boop-themed restaurant, also to be located at Valley Fair, are on the drawing board; it's expected to open in next spring.

Kim's mini-empire is the embodiment of the American dream. He immigrated to the Bay Area in 1972 from Seoul, South Korea, and started in the restaurant business as a cashier. So, his Lori's chain combines Kim's on-the-job experience with his background in history. Of his favorite era, Kim says, "The '50's were an upbeat and optimistic time. There was a lot of hope. I want to give that experience to my customers."

Lori's Diner, 19930 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, 408.257.1950. Hours are 7am to 10pm daily.