As the cold, turbulent waters swirl along the banks of the mighty Connecticut River, so do the numbing, ferocious winds of social, economic, and racial change rip through the fabric of life for the residents of Holyoke, Massachusetts. It's the late 1960's, and Holyoke is reeling from accelerating economic deterioration along with explosive social and racial turmoil. While a small restaurant, the Luncheonette is always full of a rich cast of characters including neighborhood residents, businessmen, city workers, policemen, doctors, lawyers, judges, and city politicians. A real cross section of Holyokers. The story is told through the eyes of a young teen, who survives this chaotic kaleidoscope of economic despair, emotional anguish, racial conflict, and danger.
A neighborhood boy is missing as rumors run wild, getting crazier and crazier as time lingers since his disappearance. "The Luncheonette" is set over course of one day. Various stories, flashbacks and memories are woven throughout the day, bringing rich visual and emotional context to the story.