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Diners have nothing to do with either Long Island or Greeks. Lots of Greek families bought already-existing diners and added things like gyros and souvlaki (sp?) to the menu.
Diners are more of a northeast phenomena, I read somewhere (who knows how reliable) that 50% of diners are in the state of NJ. White neighborhoods in the outer-boroughs tend to be loaded with diners too. Diners were a precursor to fast food, and when fast food came about, lots of the old-school diners all across the country shut down. In NYC, a few survived, because--hey, this is NYC. Most of the diners you see now, especially in the suburbs, are imitations of the old ones, and are much larger and are more like restaurants than the original diners, but in rural NJ you see a lot of the old-fashioned small diners where more people are eating at the counter than at the tables. And there probably aren't eggcreams or gyros on the menu, haha.
It's just a coincidence but the two major diners in PJ Station (Hi lite and Seaport) were always owned by Greek families but just like other businesses when they pass through certain areas or states sometimes they get popular and expand. Long islanders love diners and because of it there are tons of them and probably more so then anywhere else across the country based on population vs. NYC.
I remember DRAGON ISLAND in Centereach and there Mai Tai's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to love that place. What was zum zum? I remember it I just do not remember what they sold!!!Remember Orange Julius?
Diners have nothing to do with either Long Island or Greeks. Lots of Greek families bought already-existing diners and added things like gyros and souvlaki (sp?) to the menu.
Diners are more of a northeast phenomena, I read somewhere (who knows how reliable) that 50% of diners are in the state of NJ. White neighborhoods in the outer-boroughs tend to be loaded with diners too. Diners were a precursor to fast food, and when fast food came about, lots of the old-school diners all across the country shut down. In NYC, a few survived, because--hey, this is NYC. Most of the diners you see now, especially in the suburbs, are imitations of the old ones, and are much larger and are more like restaurants than the original diners, but in rural NJ you see a lot of the old-fashioned small diners where more people are eating at the counter than at the tables. And there probably aren't eggcreams or gyros on the menu, haha.
The origin of the diner has it's roots in Providence, RI in the mid 1800's. I've included a link to an informative site for more details.
Diners have nothing to do with either Long Island or Greeks. Lots of Greek families bought already-existing diners and added things like gyros and souvlaki (sp?) to the menu.
Diners are more of a northeast phenomena, I read somewhere (who knows how reliable) that 50% of diners are in the state of NJ. White neighborhoods in the outer-boroughs tend to be loaded with diners too. Diners were a precursor to fast food, and when fast food came about, lots of the old-school diners all across the country shut down. In NYC, a few survived, because--hey, this is NYC. Most of the diners you see now, especially in the suburbs, are imitations of the old ones, and are much larger and are more like restaurants than the original diners, but in rural NJ you see a lot of the old-fashioned small diners where more people are eating at the counter than at the tables. And there probably aren't eggcreams or gyros on the menu, haha.
Yup, I live in NJ now and am by 4 diners!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhenstern
I'll go way back...does anyone remember Billy Blake's? How about the old Commack Arena where the Long Island Ducks played and where I saw the band Styx in 1979, with Starz as the opening band. And do you remember when the gas stations gave out free glasses when you filled your tank?
I went to the Arena to see Emmitt Kelly Jr. (Circus) He almost died, something you remember when your 4-5 years old.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jhenstern
I have a vague memory of my mother and father taking me and my sister to Wesson's in Lake Grove in 1969 or 70. It was right next to the Dairy Barn. We were in our pajamas and we ordered take out and then my dad parked the car and we ate the burgers, fries and shakes, which I remember being better in those days. Chinese food was better too. Does anyone remember Dragon Isle in Centereach?
I think it was called Wetsons. I used to buy beer in that Diary Barn when I was 16.
[quote=OvertaxedOnLI;378376]Ouch, let's not allow a really enjoyable thread to accidentally morph into anything else (I've seen that happen a few times here ) ...
So, moving right along....
....Someone else mentioned the arena in Commack, but does anyone remember the ice hockey team that used to play there? The Long Island Ducks. Minor-league but incredible fun to watch (this was long before the NY Islanders came into existence).
There still is a Groundround in Bayshore, I think.
There are still a few around. There is one in Portjeff.Islip,and Riverherhead. I think those may be the only ones left. I miss them. I used to go to the one on Sayville all the time then Ruby Tuesday's took it over.
I remember DRAGON ISLAND in Centereach and there Mai Tai's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to love that place. What was zum zum? I remember it I just do not remember what they sold!!!Remember Orange Julius?
Oh My Drangon Island! It was a buffet type place right. I was little when we went there. Young enough to still eat for the kids price. LOL! Looooong time ago......
Correct me if Im wrong, but I can swear I seen a brand new Groundround up and running on Montauk Highway in Brookhaven or South Haven? I thought this chain was finished? I know the one in Bay Shore is open and it looks like its busy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cindy15161
There are still a few around. There is one in Portjeff.Islip,and Riverherhead. I think those may be the only ones left. I miss them. I used to go to the one on Sayville all the time then Ruby Tuesday's took it over.
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