For nine years, Shawn Stanford has called Dean’s Diner her second home. On a recent grey Tuesday afternoon, the petite 30-year-old in a crisp white uniform offered an infectious smile and warm greeting to anyone who walked in the door. At the heart of the reason she loves her job is a sense of community — “outside of the money,” Ms. Stanford said, laughing. “There is a great mix of regulars who I know what their order will be as soon as they walk in the door as well as travelers passing through on the highway looking for some good...