Another Jersey Diner Just Closed, But A Bergen County Spot Held Grand Opening

NORTH JERSEY — At least five diners in northern and central New Jersey have closed since last fall, but not all is lost — one Bergen County diner held a grand opening celebration this month.

Diners across the state have struggled to compete with online food delivery services and rising costs.

Last weekend, the Stelton Restaurant and Diner in Edison closed after 48 years in business, reports said. It will be replaced by a Quick Chek.

The Stelton was just the latest in a series of Jersey diners to close over the last year.

Last month, the Coach House Diner — a 24-hour eatery on Route 4 in Hackensack — closed suddenly, leaving a note on the door for customers. It was purchased by a rapidly expanding car wash chain called El Car Wash.

In addition:

• The Americana Diner, on Main Street in West Orange, served its final meal in March. It was among the few 24-hour diners left in the state, Patch noted.
• Also in March, the Gotham City Diner in Ridgefield announced that it would close, but that its sister diner in Fair Lawn would remain open.
• Last October, the iconic Miss America Diner on Jersey City's west side announced it would close at the end of the month. A local Italian deli, Salumeria Ercolano on West Side Avenue, moved into the space. The diner owners promised, "No condos coming, just great food!"
• The Bendix Diner in Hasbrouck Heights closed last year after its owner struggled to make repairs. But as first reported by Patch, restaurateur Peter Meskouris is moving forward with plans to rehab and reopen the popular eatery.

This month, diner fans got a new helping of positive news.

Ribbon Cutting

Two weeks ago, Abbie's Diner in Wyckoff, a local favorite for 30 years, held a grand opening celebration to announce a new owner.

Mayor [Roger] Lane and other members of the Township Committee attended the ribbon cutting/grand opening ceremony on May 14. The new owner is chef Casey Colaneri.

"If you are from the Wyckoff area, you know of the 30-plus year history of Abbie’s and what it has meant to the town," posted Colaneri's brother. "To think we were just kids that would stop in for a Tower, and now you are the new owner, is just wild. You truly never know where life will bring you. You are going to crush it in this new endeavor."

What's Special About Jersey Diners?

New Jersey is known for its classic diners because of the state's location between New York City and Philadelphia. Historically, it was easy to build and ship prefab diners throughout the Garden State.

Diners remain popular for their large away of menu items, all-day breakfasts, and reasonable prices.

Two New Jersey legislators have proposed a bill to try to help the state's diners stay in business. The "Saving Our Diners and Protecting Our Past Act" would allow for a sales and use tax exemption and for tax credits for historic diners and restaurants included on an annual registry. (It can be found here.)

Below, read Patch's diner coverage over the past year.

(Do you know about a restaurant opening or closing in North Jersey? Let Patch know so we can write about it. Email us here.)

Jersey Diner News On Patch

• Iconic 1940s Hoboken Diner To Be Replaced By Medical Practice

• Year In Jersey Diners: 2 Have Closed, 1 Will Reopen

• Bendix Diner Has New Owner
• Bendix Diner Owner Vows To Bring It Back After Shutdown
• Iconic Americana Diner In Jersey City Closes: See What's Next