Why New Jersey Needs to Step Up and Help Save Our Diners
As I’ve worked on restoring the Little Falls Diner, something became clear to me: New Jersey needs to rally around all its diners. While I started focused on a single diner, I’ve come to realize that diners across the state are facing the same challenges. Every year, we see more diners close their doors, and with each one, we lose a piece of history. Over the past year alone, diners like the Bendix Diner in Hasbrouck Heights, the Diamond Diner in Hainesport, the Americana Diner in West Orange, the Menlo Park Diner in Edison, and the Galaxy Diner in Rahway have all closed their doors for good. These closures aren’t just about food — they’re about community, history, and the culture that makes New Jersey special.
While working to restore the Little Falls Diner, I saw firsthand how challenging it can be to preserve these iconic places. But I also realized that the challenge isn’t just about one diner—it’s about the state of New Jersey stepping up and supporting these spots. Once a diner is gone, it’s gone forever. Yes, we can replicate 1950s American diners like I found in Florence, Italy, but the memories, the history, and the community that diners hold will never be the same. These authentic diners are irreplaceable.
What’s even more concerning is that New Jersey’s mid-1900s diners, many of which are considered historic landmarks, are struggling to meet the codes and regulations of 2025. While it’s crucial that our buildings are safe for everyone, we can’t let safety standards be the sole reason we lose these beloved institutions. Diners need the support of local towns, municipalities, and the state to stay alive, whether through grants, code adjustments, or simply public awareness.
Yes, diners can be relocated or renovated to a certain degree, but just because they can move doesn’t mean we should allow their significance to fade. These diners have stood the test of time, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they continue to be a part of the fabric of our communities for generations to come.