Diners - An American Icon

The definition of a diner is typically a narrowexteriors and large windows. This surge lasted about
structure resembling a railroad dining car with the15 years until the advent of the fast food
interior containing a service counter with stools forrestaurants.
seating. Food preparation is along the back wallSince 1970, there has been a new interest in diners
behind the counter.with it's retro appearance and many can be seen and
Historyvisited across America.
The first "diners" back in the 1890's were horseToday
drawn wagons on wheels that would park on theDenny's introduced their new retro style Denny's
city streets and serve their meals similar to today'sClassic Diner restaurants in 1999 complete with
"fast food" concept.stainless steel exterior and rounded roof.
By the 1920's, diners were manufactured as aThere are currently 18 diner manufacturers with half
permanent structure resembling the original wagonof them located in New Jersey. No other state in
style. The style changed into a more streamlinedAmerica can top the number of diners than New
appearance by the 1930's but business was not briskJersey with over 200 diners in operation today!
until after the depression.If you are interested in learning more about the
The demand increased after 1945 and spread to thehistory of diners, you may wish to visit
midwest when there were a dozen dinerdinermuseum.organd a trip to New Jersey should
manufacturers making the diners with many modernsatisfy your appetite with many styles of today's
amenities including air conditioning, stainless steeldiners.