Diner News and History

A blog about diners and other things encountered along the way.
The Present

From our twitter stream. . .

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Sincere Thank You

From everyone involved with the Diner News and History site, we'd like to thank you for visiting. We appreciated everyone that wrote expressing their comments, criticisms, and suggestions. If this site is something you'd like to be a part of, we encourage you to write.

The many diner owners, operators, and employees we talked with over the past year, thank you for staying the course during these challenging times. Thank you for telling us about your diner and letting us take pictures we've shared here with our readers.

Everyone that has visited, written about diners, or researched diner history, thank you for letting us incorporate some of these facts into our site. We do our best to keep track of where the information comes from and give you credit. If there's ever a question, please write and we'll cite our source(s).

To our flickr friends, thank you for allowing us to include your pictures in our blog posts. In the coming months we hope to feature your photos in a new section of the blog.

Though a limited number of people are involved in restoring and reopening diners, we thank you. Without your determination the diner would surely be lost.

Now that 2009 is upon us, we wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year! As always, we encourage you to support your local diner.


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At Al Mac's Diner


Al Mac's Diner, December 2008
Looking at our diner map we were reminded of those diners we haven't visited recently. While it's important to support your local diner, we like to experience diners in our reader's area too. If you have a favorite diner, please let us know about it.

Remembering our last visit to the diner, it was about 74 degrees outside and a bright sunshine filled sky. Today's picture shows things were quite different. It had been snowing for a few hours and temperature was about 23 degrees.

Al Mac's is your typical late 1950s DeRaffele Manufacturing Company, Inc. manufactured diner. Its signature channel neon roof sign beckons travelers from nearby Route 79. The exterior color is nearly the same as another DeRaffele--the currently closed Star Diner in Rumford, Rhode Island. At the corners notice the vertical fluted panels. Those remind us of a similar style used in some Kullman built diners around that time. Take a look at Agilitynut's picture as an example.

Once inside the diner, you may notice griddles behind the counter--a counter which runs about the length of the diner itself. Or maybe its ceiling with boomerang Formica panels. Or even its green terrazzo floor. If you are a regular, you would already know the Seeburg's in the booths were removed about eight months ago. A newfangled jukebox was placed just inside the door.

After our waitress took the order, it wasn't long before the grill-woman had it on a plate ready for pickup. We were only a couple feet away and weren't sure why she didn't deliver it herself. When we visited the Blue Moon Diner, in Gardner, Massachusetts back in September 2008, the opposite happened. The waitress took the order and the grill-woman delivered the food. While we were eating, we have to mention another unique feature of Al Mac's. If the diner's quiet enough, you may hear a ding every so often. The sound is accompanied by a number illuminating on a box in the corner of the diner. This lets the waitress know her order is ready in the kitchen. From our hundreds of diner visits, we aren't aware of any other diner with this feature. While the diner doesn't have the phone book sized menu, both sides are packed with sturdy choices. The specials board even incorporates local favorites.

Al Mac's diner is one of many that Al McDermott operated in the region at one time. Another was Worcester Lunch Car Company diner #786. While that diner is no longer there, its replacement a 1950s DeRaffele remains on-site in the Flint section. Even though the Nite Owl diner's been closed for a number of years, with the right owner it would do well. We can't forget to mention another McDermott diner. This 1941 O'Mahony built diner left Fall River, operated in Middletown, Rhode Island, and after a complete restoration is open in Oakley, Utah as the Road Island Diner.

Once nicknamed as "Spindle City" in recognition of its many spinning mills, Fall River, Massachusetts has been the home of Al Mac's Diner for as long as we can remember. However, it wasn't until almost a decade ago that the importance of this landmark was officially recognized. The diner celebrates an anniversary of sort this month, as it was added to National Register of Historic Places on December 20, 1999.


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Al Mac's Diner
135 President Ave.
Fall River, MA
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A Look Back on December 31st

12/31/2007
A year ago My-Ly Nguyen's article in the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin mentioned the Red Robin Diner being sold.

The diner reopened on March 26, 2008.

12/31/2006
Michelle Karas of the Pottstown Mercury wrote about the Limerick Diner in Pennsylvania celebrated its 50th anniversary.

12/31/2003
Jill Kaiser Dion's article for the Milford Mirror wrapping up the years events mentioned the Milford Diner.

After a legal battle, it remains closed and never did move from its location on New Haven Avenue in Milford, Connecticut. The diner's a c. 1950's Silk City.


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In the News - Cheyenne Diner


ninth avenue
Originally uploaded by joe holmes and
appears here under Creative Commons
Another New York diner is in the news. Movement of this 1940's Paramount Dining Cars built diner seems to have hit a snag. Patrick Hedlund writing for Chelsea Now reports the new owner of the Cheyenne Diner, Mike O'Connell, has encountered some technical difficulties. Mr. Hedlund's article says diner itself exceeds the limits for the Manhattan Bridge. Mr. O'Connell is considering his options.

Mike O'Connell purchased the diner back in April 2008. Around that time it was announced that the diner would move a few miles away to Reed Street in Brooklyn's Red Hook section. The diner itself closed April 6, 2008, however the lights were on for a brief time after that when the diner was used in a film shoot.

We'll post more information here as it becomes available.


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Closed
Cheyenne Diner
411 9th Ave.
New York, NY
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In the News - Market Diner


C9270821
Photo by flickr pro gmpicket and
appears here under Creative Commons
At one time there were many Market Diners in New York City. Asher Zelin, long-time owner of this 1964 DeRaffele space age styled diner was sold in 2004. Under new owners the Moinian Group, the diner remained open until spring 2006. Lights were off and the portable fence surrounding the diner remained standing--until recently.

Marlene Naanes of AM New York reports the Market Diner is open once again. This article references a posting on yelp, a website for restaurant reviews. The reviewers mention their impressions of the food and the changes to the diner.

gmpicket's picture to the right was taken on October 15, 2008. On the left side of the picture are the planter boxes spoke of in one yelp review's comments.


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Market Diner
572 11th Ave.
New York, NY
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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

At the Tin Man Diner


Tin Man Interior, © 2008
DinerHistory.com file photo
Prior to today's visit, it had been a few months since we were last at the Tin Man Diner, in North Falmouth, Massachusetts. Barbara Lind and her daughter Susan, along with their support staff, continue to keep everyone coming back for more good food and conversation. Susan remembered we were there another time taking pictures and later posted them on flickr.

We found out the diner has dinner hours on Wednesday and Thursday. Otherwise the diner maintains a 7:30AM to 2PM schedule. We hope to get back there soon for another visit. Until then we encourage you to stop in for a visit. While you are there, let them know you read about their diner in this blog. Also, click here or below on the label "Tin Man Diner - North Falmouth MA" where you can read about our prior visits.


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Tin Man Diner
70 County Rd.
North Falmouth, MA
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In the News - LaBarge Moondance Diner


Moondance Diner
Photo by flickr pro warsze and
appears here under Creative Commons
Latest news is the former "Big Apple" diner will open the first part of January 2009. Read Jeff Gearino's article in the Jackson Hole Star-Tribune.

At left is a picture out the window when the diner was in New York city at Grand Street and Avenue of the Americas. Though the view will be different in LaBarge, Wyoming the diner will be at Main Street and Sixth Avenue. Locating the diner here gives the diner a connection back to New York, as Avenue of the Americas is also known as Sixth Avenue.


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LaBarge Moondance Diner
Main Street and 6th Ave
LaBarge, WY
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Monday, December 29, 2008

At Norm's Diner


At Norm's Diner, © 2008
DinerHistory.com file photo
We wrote about the reopening of Norm's Diner at the beginning of the month. As we were in the area today, we stopped in to see how things are going at the diner. You can see from the photo, Brenda Trask doesn't stand still very long. She said this morning they were exceptionally busy for a Monday. Things seem to have slowed down a bit by the time we got there.

Norm's counter edges have the requisite worn spots in the Formica. It's a sign that an untold number of people have sat at the counter over the years. Speaking of Formica, the walls and ceiling have the same pattern. Otherwise the diner has a green theme in the counter wall and floor tile, and booth seats. The stool tops are turquoise matching a wide band of turquoise tile in the counter wall.

A couple of things we noticed about the diner. On the right side of the photo there are two stainless steel storage counters. Centered below the counter top is a plate with the words "The Silk City Diner" on a decorative scroll. Below that is "Manufactured By Paterson Vehicle Co." You can almost see it in the photo. Look just above the glass of OJ on the counter and below the stack of coffee mugs. Secondly, look on the hood below the bill of fares. Affixed here is another plate, though this one is rectangular in shape, with the same wording and decorative scroll.

Norm's is just off I95 in Groton and serves breakfast all day. When you stop in be sure to tell them you read about the diner at the Diner News and History website.

In a future article we'll talk about some of the technology we utilize. For those that might be wondering, that's an Acer AspireOne netbook in the lower right corner of the photo.


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Norm's Diner
171 Bridge St.
Groton, CT
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A Look Back on December 29th

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.


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Sunday, December 28, 2008

A Look Back on December 28th

12/28/2006
CityBeat writer Craig Bida talked with Roula David and Michael Spalding, of Vinyl.

Diner on Sycamore located in Cincinnati, Ohio, became Vinyl in August 2006.

12/28/2000
Reporters from The Gazette checked in with Tom Fincham to find out his plans for the former Chuck's Stop Diner.


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Saturday, December 27, 2008

Weekend Roundup

The Weekend Roundup feature draws from some of our postings during this past week. It's purpose is a quick summary and one area of the blog where we usually don't include map links or pictures. At times we may include other items here not making the blog that may be of interest to our readers. We'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

On the 21st, Floyd's Diner in High Springs, Florida closed. The five-section Starlite built diner was delivered mid-2001. Current economic conditions are listed as the reason for closure.

Starlite itself was going through changes around this time too. It had been sold in 1999, and then sold again to another company that went out of business. Starlite's original founders started building diners again in 2002, though under the name Valiant Diner Company. That company closed in 2006.

There were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, moved, or sold. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week. On a related note, we've noticed an increase in people searching for diners to buy. We'd like some suggestions on how to integrate a for sale type feature into the site. For now we'll put them in the right column.

The following diner was added to the database:

Manheim Diner
Schuylkill Haven, PA



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(*) This diner was added provisionally pending further investigation. If you have any information on them please write us.

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A Look Back on December 27th

12/27/2006
Michael DeMasi wrote about the new owners of the former Chez Sophie Bistro in Malta, New York. His article appeared in The Business Review.

Though it didn't reopen on April 23, 2007 as a diner, the restaurant's now called Bloomers. It's a 1954 Fodero built diner once operating under the name Malta Ridge Diner.


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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A Look Back on December 24th

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.



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Today In Diner History. . .

On this date George Fred Madison received design patent number D156547 for a "Mobile Diner." The drawing and patent may be viewed using Google Patent search.



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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Look Back on December 23rd

12/23/2007
Gretchen McKay wrote about the owners and history of Dean's Diner in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Her article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted the diner is for sale.

12/23/2005
The Hartford Courant writer Regina Deangelo visited several diners in the Hartford/New Haven, Connecticut area. She touched on the good and bad aspects of her experiences.


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Monday, December 22, 2008

Former Jerry's Diner - Kent, Ohio


Kent Diner
Photo by flickr pro planetschwa
and appears here under Creative
Commons
Some of the news articles we've read spoke of a fire, but we never saw any pictures. When looking through the results from a Google blog search, we found Dave Ruller's Kent 360 blog.

Dave's blog mentions the diner and has two pictures showing the interior damage. He included other pictures, the last one a vintage photograph showing the inside of the diner in 1952. We aren't sure if Bill Nay, who brought the diner there in 1945, is the gentleman pictured behind the counter. That photograph also shows a number of renovations to the diner. Notice the Campbell Soup cans on the shelf in the lower right corner.

About a week ago, flickr pro planetschwa uploaded two recent pictures of how the site looks after the diner was removed. We've included one in this post, and here's the other taken from a different angle.

Though the diner has had a number of owners and renovations over the years, it's thought to have been built by Jerry O'Mahony Dining Car Company in the 1920's. Dan's Diner may be similar to what the diner originally looked like. As we find more information about the diner and the progress of its restoration, we'll post it online.


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A Look Back on December 22nd

12/22/1999
Worcester Telegram & Gazette wrote that Michael O'Connor was given what remained of the diner once known as the Park Diner. It's Worcester Lunch Car Company diner number 705 that vandals set fire to in Worcester's Cristoforo Colombo Park.

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Sunday, December 21, 2008

A Look Back on December 21st

12/21/2006
Jason Pheasant of The Herald wrote about the recent grand opening of Even Stephen Diner.


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Saturday, December 20, 2008

Weekend Roundup

The Weekend Roundup feature will be posted a little later. We are working on putting together a listing of all the diners we've mentioned. Look for "Diner Listing By State (in process)" included at the top and bottom of each page.


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A Look Back on December 20th

12/20/2006
Maggie Gill-Austern wrote an article for the Sun Journal about the pending closure of the Farmington Diner.

The Farmington Diner closed in November 2007 and moved to storage during March 2008. It is a 1949 Mountain View Diners built diner.

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Friday, December 19, 2008

A Look Back on December 19th

12/19/2007
John Guerriero wrote in Erie Times-News about George Gourlias and his plans to sell the Lawrence Park Dinor.

The diner is a Silk City Diner, built in 1948 by the Paterson Vehicle Company.


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Thursday, December 18, 2008

In the News - Miss Syracuse Diner

TWEAN News Channel of Syracuse reports the Miss Syracuse Diner reopened today. Read the article as it includes a short video.


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Miss Syracuse Diner
258 East Water St.
Syracuse, NY
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In the News - Harris Diner

The Harris Diner in East Orange, New Jersey recently served as background for a photo shoot. Inside Jersey magazine is profiling New Jersey's five top five chefs. Read the nj.com news article here. Also included is a short video clip showing the inside of the diner and the chefs.

A few months ago, there was an article about this 1950s O'Mahony built diner being for sale.


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Harris Diner
21 N Park St.
East Orange, NJ
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A Look Back on December 18th

12/18/2004
The Today Show visited Kevin Meehan's impressive Christmas lights display. On the property is the Blue Belle Diner serving refreshments.

In June of 2005 the diner was moved next to the Mountain Barn Restaurant in Princeton, Massachusetts. As of our visit at the beginning of August 2008, the diner remains idle.



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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A Look Back on December 17th

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.


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In the News - Carl's Diner

WFXT Fox 25 brought their "Diner Wednesday" morning segment to Carl's Diner in Oxford, Massachusetts. A short video has been posted online.


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Carl's Diner
291 Main St.
Oxford, MA
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Upcoming Diner Appearances on Television

Tune into the Food Network show, "Diners Drive-ins and Dives" where you can see these diners:

12/16/2008 - 1:00 AM ET/PT - "A World of Flavors"

Marietta Diner
Marietta, Georgia


12/21/2008 - 3:00 PM ET/PT - "Places You Sent Me"

O'Rourke's Diner
Middletown, CT

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A Look Back on December 16th

12/16/2006
WPVI-TV reporter Erin O'Hearn wrote about the fire at the Aramingo Diner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

12/16/1999
Jack Cavanaugh of The New York Times wrote about Maria Aposporos, and her struggle against the city of Stamford, Connecticut to keep Curley's Diner open.

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Monday, December 15, 2008

Charlie's Diner Television Appearance


Charlie's Diner, © 2006
DinerHistory.com file photo
Back in August 2006 we were in the area and decided to stop by Charlie's Diner. They were still operating under their abbreviated hours since opening at their new address in Spencer, Massachusetts.

Part of the appeal of this 1948 Worcester Lunch Car Company diner, is you can sit at that twenty-two foot six and one-half inch Tennessee marble counter top and watch them cook. Or maybe the fact it has been in the same family for almost a half a century. Stepping into the diner you may find the Turner's cooking and chatting with their regulars.

Charlie's was recently featured on the Food Network show, "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives." Check your listings for air dates of episode number DV0209, "Family Owned."


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Charlie's Diner
32 W. Main St.
Spencer, MA
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A Look Back on December 15th

12/15/2005
Anusha Shrivastava of the Waterbury Republican-American wrote that Mickey's Windham Diner, in Willimantic, Connecticut is opening today. It's a 1950 Mountain View diner.

12/15/2004
Diane E. Foulds wrote about the Oasis Diner and its history for the Boston Globe.

What was a Burlington, Vermont tradition under the Lines family ownership, changed in October 2007. Glenn Walter purchased the diner and the Sadie Katz Deli opened in January 2008.

12/15/1999
Telegram & Gazette staffers Cynthia Koury and Mark Melady wrote about the former Kenmore Diner in Worcester, Massachusetts. Six members of the Worcester fire department perished in a fire that destroyed the adjacent storage building. During the demolition bricks fell on the diner damaging it beyond repair.

A new structure was built on the site of the former diner. Though not a traditionally manufactured diner, it retains the name Kenmore Diner.


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Sunday, December 14, 2008

A Look Back on December 14th


Day 184 : July 2, 2008 [Central Diner]
Photo by flickr pro Elizabeth Thomsen
and appears here under Creative
Commons
license.
12/14/2000
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette noted the Central Diner in Millbury, Massachusetts would reopen on the 16th after two months of rehabilitation.

Elizabeth Thomsen noted on the day she took this picture the Worcester Lunch Car Company built diner was closed and appeared to be undergoing repairs.

12/14/2006
Rick Nichols of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote about the change of ownership for this 1940s O'Mahony, known as the Mayfair Diner.


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Saturday, December 13, 2008

Weekend Roundup

The Weekend Roundup feature draws from some of our postings during this past week. It's purpose is a quick summary and one area of the blog where we usually don't include map links or pictures. At times we may include other items here not making the blog that may be of interest to our readers. We'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

A diner opening and closing. Norm's Diner in Groton, Connecticut reopened. It was announced that Olga's in Marlton, New Jersey won't reopen.

There were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, moved, or sold. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week.

The following diners were added to the database:

Crossroads Dinor*
Edinboro, PA

Nevada Diner*
Bloomfield, NJ
-source. flickr member justkiddingha took a picture of the diner using the HDR technique which enhances the resulting image.

Mom's Diner
Killeen, TX
- source Mike Engle

Saylor's Restaurant
Allentown, PA
-source


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(*) This diner was added provisionally pending further investigation. If you have any information on them please write us.

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A Look Back on December 13th

12/13/2007
This article that Charles Fiegl wrote for The Post-Star includes a video of the new Prospect Mountain Diner's arrival.

12/13/2007
Leigh Hornbeck's article in the Times Union mentioned the new Prospect Mountain Diner is comprised of two modules, each weighing 55,000 pounds.

12/13/2005
The Blue Star Diner in Newport News, Virginia closed due to fire. Shelley Rauch of Daily Press reviewed the diner in her October 17, 2007 article noting it reopened in May 2007.



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Friday, December 12, 2008

A Look Back on December 12th

12/12/2007
Patrick Parkinson writing for the The Park Record mentioned the Road Island Diner had moved to 981 Weber Canyon Road.

Restoration of the diner began while it was stored behind City Hall, in Oakley, Utah. The diner opened on June 28, 2008.

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12/12/2007
The new Prospect Moutain Diner arrived on-site Lake George, New York. It was one of the articles about the diner Charles Fiegl authored for the Post-Star.

12/12/2003
Ralph Millis mentioned the King's Chef diner in his article for The Gazette.

12/12/2007
Leigh Hornbeck also wrote about the arrival of the Prospect Moutain Diner, though for the Times Union.


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Thursday, December 11, 2008

In the News - Olga's Diner - CLOSED


2005: Olga's Diner
Photo by flickr pro wfyurasko and
appears here under Creative
Commons
Call it the end of an era. Others may say it was past its prime. This is one article we don't like to write--the closing of a long-standing diner. Olga's Diner closed on October 18th. We last posted about Olga's on October 20th. A short article was published today in the Courier-Post reporting the diner won't reopen.

Olga's is a large 1960's Fodero Dining Car Company diner.


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Closed
Olga’s Diner
Routes 70 and 73 at Marlton Circle
Marlton, NJ
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In the News - Quintessence Diner


Former Quintessence Diner,
© 2008 DinerHistory.com file photo
An article just appeared in the The Business Review (Albany). The restaurant is scheduled to open the first of the year.

When we visited the diner at the beginning of last August, it was undergoing renovations. Its interior was quite different from flickr member MassiveAudio's photo. Pictured at right is the exterior of the diner as it looked on the day we visited. Notice the distinctive metal work on the corner of the diner. On the right, the reflection of the temporary fence may be seen in the vertical panels, as they were painted with a glossy black paint.

We'll post more information as it becomes available.


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Closed
Quintessence Diner
11 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY
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A Look Back on December 11th

12/11/2007
Charles Fiegl's article in the The Post-Star reported the new Prospect Mountain Diner was in transit to Lake George, New York. The diner reopened May 9th, 2008.

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12/11/2007
St. Petersburg Times staff writer Jodie Tillman wrote about the closure of Mel's Diner on U.S. 19 in Port Richey, Florida.

12/11/2006
Betty Jespersen wrote a series of articles for the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel regarding the plight of the Farmington Diner. Today's reported a certain drug store chain has its eye on the property.

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12/11/2002
Andrea Laurita reported the Stardust Diner in Vancouver, Washington opened on this date in 2002.


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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

In the News - Tod Murphy


VT Diner
Photo by flickr pro catchesthelight
and appears here under Creative
Commons
license.
Last September, Yankee Magazine published an in depth article about the person and philosophy of the Farmers Diner owner, Tod Murphy. While the original Farmers Diner located in Barre, Vermont wasn't a traditionally manufactured diner, it served as an incubator or proof of concept. After three years at the former Green Mountain Diner in Barre, he
realized the scale he needed couldn't be attained. That was one factor contributing to its closure in August of 2005.

After about a year of reworking things, he reopened 46 miles away in Quechee, Vermont. The restaurant sits on the left side of a retail development called Quechee Village. The diner itself connects to a larger structure which provides additional cooking and seating area. With this arrangement you the choice of sitting in the 1946 Worcester Lunch Car Company diner or the attached seating area. It was this past August that the diner marked its second anniversary.

Towards the end of Yankee's article, Tod speaks of his plans to expand the concept, establishing more Farmers Diner locations. One town he mentioned was Middlebury, Vermont. Yesterday's edition of the Burlington Free Press reports he will have a new restaurant there and expects have it open by late spring 2009.


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Farmers Diner
Quechee Village
Quechee, VT
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A Look Back on December 10th

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.


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In the News - Kenwood Diner

The Kenwood Diner made an appearance on WFXT Fox 25 "Diner Wednesday" morning segment. The diner is a 1933 Worcester Lunch Car Company diner. A short video has been posted online.


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Kenwood Diner
97 Main St.
Spencer, MA
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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

In the News - Norm's Diner


DSCF0003
photo by improbcat and appears
here under Creative Commons license.
We last posted about a month ago regarding the future of Norm's Diner. It's a 1953 Silk City Diner just off I-95 in Groton, Connecticut. News of it's reopening yesterday appeared in another article written by Katie Warchut for The Day. Ms. Warchut mentions Brenda Trask as the person reopening the diner. Her article also speaks of repairs performed over the past month and hints there could be a return of live music next door to the diner.

We'll stop by for a visit and will post further information about the diner as it becomes available.


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Norm's Diner
171 Bridge St.
Groton, CT
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In the News - Jerry's Diner

Matt Fredmonsky staff writer for the Record-Courier has written a series of articles about Jerry's. He wrote another recently that mentioned the former Jerry's Diner was removed from its foundation in preparation for transportation. Mike Zenone purchased the remains of the diner at an auction last month. His plans are to restore the diner and reopen it to the public.

When the restoration is complete, it's possible the diner may look similar to Dan's Diner, in New York.


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A Look Back on December 9th

12/9/2007
Connecticut Post writer, Andrew Brophy mentioned the red tape Gary Zemola's working through in order to get his diner opened in Fairfield, Connecticut. Zemo's Diner is the former DeCoven Diner.

Last information we have is this project is on hold.

12/9/2007
Justin Mason of The Daily Gazette wrote about Tom Ketchum's project to bring the former Elite Diner that once "housed the first Illinois franchise selling Col. Harland Sanders' famous recipe for fried chicken" to Duanesburg, New York.

Another article about Tom's project appeared on November 27th.

12/9/2004
According to The Globe Gazette writer, John Skipper, a video crew stopped into the SuzieQ Diner (Mason City, Iowa). They were there getting footage for a future episode of Al Roker's program, "Diner Destinations."

12/9/2000
Anslee Willett writing for The Gazzette, noted Tom Fincham purchased the diner once operating as Chuck's Stop Diner (Colorado Springs, Colorado) at auction.


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In the News - Reading Diner

The former Fegely's Reading Diner was the subject one of our posts last month. At that time David Meekel had written an article in the Reading Eagle saying the diner's future was in question. He's written a follow-up article for today's edition of the paper. According to this article, plans for the diner have changed. The Archbury Foundation is working with officials from Exeter Township to move it the Antietam Valley Recreation and Community Center--about a half mile away from its current location.

We'll post more information as it becomes available.


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Reading Diner
804 Carsonia Ave.
Wyomissing, PA
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Monday, December 8, 2008

Post-Weekend Roundup

The Weekend Roundup feature draws from some of our postings during this past week. It's purpose is a quick summary and one area of the blog where we usually don't include map links or pictures. At times we may include other items here not making the blog that may be of interest to our readers. We'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

In This Blog Entry. . .
L & S Diner Reopening

Pennsylvania's Getting a Diner


There were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, moved, or sold. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week.

The following diners were added to the database:

Manheim Diner
Schuylkill Haven, PA
-source

Paradise Restaurant
Schuylkill Haven, PA
-source


L & S Diner Reopening


L & S Diner
Photo by Kevin Steele and appears
here under Creative Commons
license.
According to Heather Bowser's article dated December 3rd, 2008 in the Daily News-Record, the diner has a new owner. Linda Raines, a customer purchased the business. The diner was scheduled to open on December 4th and we haven't found any reports to the contrary. WHSV TV has a video report online.

Although the L & S in Harrisonburg, Virginia isn't a traditionally manufactured diner, we thought our readers in Virginia would be interested.


Pennsylvania's Getting a Diner

This article entitled, "'50s-Style Dining Car to Replace Razed Restaurant Near Haven" caught our eye on Thursday. We've included a quote from the article . . .
"There may be more after Frew and his crew haul and install an authentic 1950s-era stainless steel diner car from southwestern Ohio inside the Route 61 restaurant. Frew is leaving on Dec. 11 to pick up the diner car, which he said he heard about through word-of-mouth."

The article also mentions this the former Paradise Restaurant at the intersection of Routes 61 S. and 183 in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. From a Google search we found reference to the restaurant having a fire the end of December 2000. In January 2007 Dave Frew purchased the property. Another Google search turned up a mention of him being president of Nostalgic Diner Group. Could this be the return of the Venus, a 1957 Fodero diner? We'll post more information as it becomes available.


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A Look Back on December 8th

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.

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Sunday, December 7, 2008

O'Rourke's Diner Television Appearance

The Middletown, Connecticut diner appeared in episode DV0504, "Places You Sent Me" on Food Network's show, "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives." During the video Guy Fieri talks with owner Brian O'Rourke, and we find out his food service career began in 1958. Later, Brian mentions he bought the diner in 1976.YouTube video from mfuggi
According to Jesse Overall's article in the Wesleyan Argus, Brian and cousin John Sweeney O'Rourke bought the diner from his uncle John R. O'Rourke. In 1985 Brian bought out his cousin's share of the diner.

Watch the video as Brian cooks up some of his signature dishes, including Banana Bread French Toast, topped with Banana's O'Rourke, Duck Hash, and a steamed cheeseburger. Ironically it was a steamed cheeseburger machine left on overnight which caused the fire on August 31, 2006.


O'Rourke's Diner,
© 2006 DinerHistory.com file photo
As a testament to community involvement, donations for rebuilding this 1940's Mountain View diner came in many forms. Wesleyan University was a generous supporter in the rebuilding process. Brian even worked part-time at their on campus Wes Wings restaurant.

After being closed for roughly seventeen months, the diner reopened for breakfast on February 11, 2008. It is part of the Main Street Historic District, which was listed in 1983 with the National Register of Historic Places.

The entire Diners, Drive-ins and Dives episode may be seen again on December 21, 2008 at 3:00 PM ET/PT.


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O’Rourke’s Diner
728 Main St.
Middletown, CT
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A Look Back on December 7th

12/7/2006
Nicole Henninger made reference to the former Lackawanna Trail Diner, now Red Rose Diner in her Pocono Record article.

12/7/2001
Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal mentioned the Big Star Diner opened on 11/14/2001.

See the related blog entries for an update.

12/7/2000
Anslee Willett of The Gazette, wrote about the tragic history of Chuck's Stop Diner in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

12/7/1998
Denny's Inc. prototype restaurant, Denny's Classic Diner in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was the topic of Jack Hayes' article in Nation's Restaurant News.


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Friday, December 5, 2008

In the News - Spud Boy Lunch

Gordon Tindall's Spud Boy Lunch project reached another milestone. Laura Gossman, wrote about the 1927 Goodell Dining Car Company diner in yesterday's Post-Bulletin.


YouTube video by josephdupont
The transformation of the former Cecil's Trackside Diner took place outside Rob Hartmann's workshop which overlooks the Bradford County Airport in Towanda, Pennsylvania. During 2007 and 2008 we gained an appreciation for Gordon's amazing work on the Yellow Rose through Joseph Dupont's YouTube videos. It was through his videos we learned of the proposed name change to Spud Boy Lunch and its future location. Over the Thanksgiving holiday the diner was put on a flatbed and transported to Lanesboro, Minnesota. Gordon expects to have the diner open by mid-2009.

Gordon owned and restored two other diners: the Red Rose in Towanda, Pennsylvania and the Clarksville Diner once in Decora, Iowa.


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Spud Boy Lunch
105 1/2 Parkway Ave. N.
Lanesboro, MN
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A Look Back on December 5th

12/5/2007
Another article by Bruce C. Smith of The Indianapolis Star. Time was running out to keep The Diner in Plainfield, Indiana open.

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Thursday, December 4, 2008

A Look Back on December 4th


The Diner, Route 40, Indianapolis, IN.
photo by flickr member brianbutko and
appears here under Creative Commons
license.
12/4/2007
Bruce C. Smith of the Indianapolis Star wrote about the impending closure of the former Plainfield Diner.

The diner did close a few days later, however it reopened in May of 2008 as the U.S. 40 Diner. It's a 1950's Mountain View Diners manufactured diner.


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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A Look Back on December 3rd

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.


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At the Nest Diner

A picture from our point of view at the counter of the Nest Diner in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Doug "VB" Goudie was there for the Fox 25's "Diner Wednesday" live event. Owner Barbara St. John is pictured at left.

The diner was built in 1951 by Mountain View Diners of Singac, New Jersey.


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The Nest Diner
81 Fairhaven Rd.
Mattapoisett, MA
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

A Look Back on December 2nd

We have nothing on file for this day in history. If you know of something diner related happening on this day, please contact us.


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Monday, December 1, 2008

In the News - Nest Diner

The Wanderer reports Fox 25's "Diner Wednesday" series next stop will be the Nest Diner in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. They will be broadcasting live from 5:30AM to 9:30AM. Stop by the diner for some free coffee and sample their Sweet Memories line of chocolates.

According to a late August post in Roadsideonline's forum, the diner is for sale.


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The Nest Diner
81 Fairhaven Rd.
Mattapoisett, MA
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A Look Back on December 1st

12/1/2007
Another article appeared in the Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel regarding the future of the Farmington Diner.

The diner was moved to Wilton, Maine in late March of 2008. We checked in on the diner during our August 2008 diner trip.

12/1/2003
Harper's Magazine writer Bill McKibben spoke of Tod Murphy's first run of the Farmer's Diner.

The Barre, Vermont location opened in July 2002, and closed in August 2005. It reopened in 2006, at the former Farina Family Diner in Quechee, Vermont.

12/1/1998
Laura McLean reported in the South Coast Today, that the Nest Diner in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts reopened yesterday.

The diner was sold in January 2003, and a reader of Roadsideonline posted about the diner being for sale again.

Related blog entries

12/1/1997
Standard-Times staff writer John Estrella announced Shawmut Diner co-owner Phil Paleologos has begun broadcasting his syndicated radio show, "America Good Morning from the Shawmut Diner."


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Bought or Sold During December

12/8/2000
Tom Fincham purchased the former Chuck's Stop Diner, a 1954 Valentine diner located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. flickr member Brian Butko has a photo of the diner.

12/2006
The diner once operating as the Miss North Adams Diner, was sold to David Rock. He retained the Chef's Hat name and opened the first of January 2007. The diner's been renovated over the years, though it was a 1933 Worcester Lunch Car Company diner.

12/19/2006
Michael J. Bauer purchased the former Chez Sophie's Bistro, a 1950s Fodero diner. He reopened it as Bloomers on April 23, 2007.

12/31/2007
Bonnie and Jon Bowie purchased the Red Robin Diner, Johnson City, New York. Opening day was March 28, 2008.


We'll post more during the month.

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Diners on the Move During December

12/12/2007
The new Prospect Mountain Diner arrived in Lake George, New York. It's the "Silver Eagle" model built by Dinermite Diners, Inc.

12/2004
Prior to being transported to Wellborn, Texas, the former Wolff's Diner moved from Stillwater, New York to storage in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It's now known as Hullabaloo's Diner.

12/2001
The former Vestal Diner moved from Binghamton, New York to Bow, New Hampshire. It was intended to be used as part of another restaurant, however it remains in a field (photo by flickr pro afka_bob).

We'll post more during the month.

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

A Look Back on November 29th

11/29/2007
The long awaited reopening of the Munson, renamed Liberty Diner, took place the day before. Melissa Rennie wrote about it in today's edition of the Times Herald-Record.


11/29/2006
Elizabeth Seal wrote a few articles over the years about Johnny B's Diner. Her article in the Cranston Herald spoke of the impending closure.

The diner did close at the end of 2006. During May of 2007 it was moved to a spot out front of Cranston High School West.


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Friday, November 28, 2008

A Look Back on November 28th


Shawmut Diner.
photo by flickr pro twentysixcats and
appears here under Creative Commons
license.
11/28/2003
On this date the Shawmut Diner in Massachusetts was added to the National Park Service's, National Register Of Historic Places.

The diner was used in the 2002 movie Passionada.




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Shawmut Diner
943 Shawmut Ave.
New Bedford
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Monday, November 17, 2008

A Look Back on November 17th

11/17/2002
New Milford Times writer Emily M. Olson talked with Tony Kallivrousis, owner of Three Brothers Restaurant in Milford, Connecticut.

11/17/2002
Ted Cohen of the Portland Press Herald wrote about the history of the Palace Diner.


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Sunday, November 16, 2008

A Look Back on November 16th

11/16/2006
Development versus diner was the topic of G.E. Lawrence's article in The Phoenixville News.

The Vale Rio Diner in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania closed late February 2008 and was moved a few days later. flickr pictures of the diner, including those from dcsaint showing the diner's move. According to dcsaint the diner moved a short distance to Star Street at Newhall Street.

11/16/2005
Robert Moran wrote about Bob's Diner in his Philadelphia Inquirer article.

Scenes from the 1988 movie "Stealing Home" were filmed in this O'Mahony diner.


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Saturday, November 15, 2008

Weekend Roundup

The Weekend Roundup feature draws from some of our postings during this past week. It's purpose is a quick summary and one area of the blog where we usually don't include map links or pictures. At times we may include other items here not making the blog that may be of interest to our readers. We'd like to hear your comments or suggestions.

Two diners were added to the database. It was reported on Monday the Pioneer of Texas Diner has reopened. The Darien News~Review reported Teddy and Olga Giapoutzis have reopened the former Driftwood Diner in Darien, Connecticut. The Giapoutzises own the Post Road Diner a short distance away in Norwalk. Many changes were made including a new name--Darien Diner. We had on file a message from the roadfood.com forum that there used to be a 1953 Silk City diner there. Anyone have confirmation of this and/or where the Silk City went? Other than Cassidies being repaired, there were no news reports of any classic diners being demolished, constructed, installed, moved, or sold. Please let us know if we've missed something diner related happening this past week.

The following diners were added to the database:

Deb's Diner
Piketon, OH
-source

OK Diner* -source
A1 Southbound
Colsterworth, Lincolnshire
NG33 5LN
-source


(*) This diner was added provisionally pending further investigation. If you have any information on them please write us.


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A Look Back on November 15th


Sit Anywhere, interior of Tony's Freehold Grill.
photo by flickr pro Point-Shoot-Edit and
appears here under Creative Commons license.
11/15/2007
Joseph Sapia of the Asbury Park Press wrote about the history behind Tony's Freehold Grille, a 1947 O'Mahony built diner.

Tony's was in the news at the beginning of the week, as it has a tradition of offering a free breakfast for veterans on Veteran's Day.


11/15/2000
Standard-Times staff writer Aaron Nicodemus stopped into the Shawmut Diner. On that day Phil Paleologos was being interviewed for "Good Morning America."


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Friday, November 14, 2008

In the News - Cassidies Diner

Another article about repair work beginning on that Meriden, Connecticut diner. We've posted one of the incorrect statements from the WFSB.com and Channel 3 Eyewitness News report.

"In May, a vehicle was driven right through the front of the diner, which is made from an old trolley car."
The diner was manufactured by the Paterson Vehicle Company in 1949 and is what's known as a Silk City Diner.

Entire article and video is available here.


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Cassidies
82 West Main St.
Meriden, CT
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Diner Exhibit Diner Exhibit Diners: Still Cookin' in the 21st Century Culinary Archives & Museum at Johnson & Wales University
315 Harborside Blvd. Providence, RI View Map / Send to GPS*
Chuck Wagon Diner Chuck Wagon Diner Chuck Wagon Diner
655 Western Tpke. Duanesburg, NY View Map / Send to GPS*
Road Island Diner Road Island Diner Road Island Diner website
981 Weber Canyon Rd. Oakley, UT View Map / Send to GPS*
Tin Man Diner Tin Man Diner 70 County Rd. North Falmouth, MA View Map / Send to GPS*

About

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Whether you appreciate diner history, the architecture, or its contribution to American culture and the food service industry, this site will be a unique resource for you. This blog is part history, current news, road trips, and our staff's insightful commentary. We thank you for visiting and encourage you to join in, sharing your own diner adventures.

Our email address is staff@dinerhistory.com. A link to contact us by email is under "Contact" located just to the left. We welcome your comments, criticisms, and suggestions.
-Diner News and History staff

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