It’s formally final name on the Collingswood Diner, which can shut after a remaining day of service on Aug. 10.
Don’t really feel unhappy for proprietor Jimmy Papandreou, although. The person who has operated the diner since its 1974 opening mentioned he’s excited to retire and get out of the diner enterprise.
“I’m completely happy,” Papandreou, 72, mentioned concerning the resolution. “I wish to take pleasure in what I’ve left.”
The diner might be changed by a marijuana dispensary, he mentioned. Different eating places close by in Collingswood have been changed by related retailers within the years since New Jersey legalized hashish use in 2021. And only a quarter mile from the diner, Mr. Chen’s Chinese language, Q’s Extremely Lounge, and Cafe II have all gone out of enterprise.
The one remaining eating places within the fast neighborhood are a Dunkin’, a sushi restaurant named Dragon Home, and Sagami, a function of The Inquirer’s The 76.
Papandreou mentioned that the diner enterprise has gotten too costly to function lately, even within the diner capital of the world. Casual sit-down dining has struggled throughout the nation, and Papandreou mentioned workers have been arduous to seek out for the reason that COVID pandemic. Most of his competitors of late has come from quick meals franchises.
“Not many individuals purchase diners anymore,” he mentioned.
Papandreou mentioned that a few of his remaining workers are planning to retire with him, although others might be searching for work. He thanked his prospects from over the many years, and mentioned he was glad they perceive what closing the diner means for him.
“They’re completely happy for me to see me going,” he mentioned.
