Our Story

The story of The Diner begins in Patterson, New Jersey in the year 1940.

Here, Silk City Diners, (a division of the Paterson Wagon Company, later known as Paterson Vehicle Company, established by Everett Abbott Cooper) produced about 1,500 diners from 1926 until 1966, including our very own.

Vic's Diner on Madison Ave, retro diner exterior, closed permanently.

The Diner was first brought to Elmira, NY and opened in 1941. Originally named “Vic’s Diner”, it was located at 220 Madison Avenue.

Three people standing inside a diner, with two women on either side of a man, as described in the caption below the image about closing the diner permanently.

It was first owned and operated by Mrs. Kosloski. In 1946, the diner is sold to the last owner's brother-in-law Frank Niekras. In 1949, Joe Warakonski started working at the diner and took over the ownership and operation of the diner up until the closing on October 12, 1974.

Old diner car with large sign reading 'Good-bye Elmira, Going to Horseheads,' part of newspaper clipping from 1974.

The diner was purchased that same year by Arthur and Frances Sullivan and was taken to the Horseheads, NY location (where it resides to this day) and renamed the “Sullivan's Diner”.

Retro diner scene with a person serving coffee to a customer at the counter in a classic American diner. Other patrons and staff visible, with retro decor and menus on the wall.
Historic photograph of Sullivan's Diner with signage, showing a snow-covered ground and trees in New Jersey, built by Silk City Diner Co., with a caption about ownership history by Fran and Art Sullivan in 1974.
Vintage diner with "Opening May 1st" sign, American flag, and antique bicycle
Two menus labeled "Sullivan's Diner" alongside a vase of orange and yellow artificial flowers, celebrating 25 years of business, on a windowsill.
Interior of a vintage-style diner with American flags, booths, and counter seating, featuring patrons sitting and standing.
Vintage diner with a sign reading "Sullivan's Diner" and an "Open" sign, surrounded by hedges.

The Sullivan family would go on to own and operate the diner until 2005.

Interior of a vintage diner with a long counter, stainless steel stools, and kitchen area in the background.
Interior of a retro-style diner with booths and bar stools along a counter. The floor is tiled, and the ceiling is curved. Bright lighting comes through the windows, highlighting the blue upholstery and dark wood accents. Exit signs are visible on the doors.

From 2005 on too the current time, “Sullivan’s Diner” would become renamed and known as “The Diner”. New changes in ownership would see that The Silk City car would receive a full makeover, with care to retain the original woodworking and historic features. Modern updates to the kitchen area, and outside façade soon followed.

As of 2022, an expanded outdoor patio was added with a covered roof to allow for additional seating. Future upgrades will continue to be made to The Diner to ensure patrons can enjoy this historic dining experience for years to come!

Outdoor dining area and diner building with signage, surrounded by open parking space and clear blue sky.
Outdoor picnic area with benches under a metal awning, adjacent to a building resembling a diner. A vintage-style street lamp is visible, and the area is surrounded by bushes and open land.