A down-home diner is branching out after 50 years in North Kansas City.

Its second home: a strip mall in western Lawrence.

Hayes Hamburger & Chili is expected to open by the end of April, transforming a former Scotch Cleaners shop into a 59-seat diner in the Orchards Corners Shopping Center at Kasold Drive and Bob Billings Parkway.

The diner’s “sliders” – 1.6-ounce hamburgers reminiscent of White Castle’s burgers – will be served along with items such as fries, chili and breakfast 24 hours a day.

Owner Jim Hayes plans to hire about 15 full-time employees.

He expects the project to cost about $250,000 for equipment and interior finishes. He hopes to franchise the concept in the future.