RoadsideOnline

Documentary to Debut at Culinary Museum

Mon, 05 May 2008 21:39:36 GMT

"New England Portrait", (2008 Emmy nominee) is a Rhode Island PBS production hosted and produced by Mary Lou Palumbo and features stories that focus on the historical and nostalgic prospective of people, places and special events in the New England area. The upcoming new season will kick off with "The History of New England Diners" which is already creating a "sizzle" with people who have heard about the production. Richard Gutman, Director & Curator of the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson and Wales University's Harborside Campus provides the historical background as owners and patrons of area diners entertain the viewers with local color and humor. The diners featured include the Miss Worcester...

Review: The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:51 GMT

Wayne McAllister was arguably among the most influential architects of 20th century roadside culture. If you're not familiar with McAllister's name, think "Rat Pack" - Sammy Davis Jr., Frank, Dean, and the others - posing by McAllister's iconic 50-foot high Sands Hotel sign - a paramount example of the streamlined modern flair that he brought to the western roadside. Wayne McAllister started innocuously enough in San Diego, drawing up $10 plans sent out with house designs from lumber companies in the 1920s. His reliable work habits and affable manner soon led to hob-knobbing with big shots in...

Manhattan's Diner Graveyard

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:30:29 GMT

Cheyenne Diner: This diner has received a great deal of attention since its recent closing. It does indeed look like a new owner Mike McConnell has or will soon purchase this extra-long structure to install in a development planned...

Cheyenne Diner to Get New Home

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:07:13 GMT

NEW YORK, NY -- The architecturally & culturally significant Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave at 33rd St) has been purchased, and will gain a new lease on life when transported to Red Hook, Brooklyn. A contract has been signed between property owner George Papas and its new owner, Mike O'Connell of O'C Construction, son of influential Red Hook developer, Greg O'Connell. Preservationist Michael Perlman of Queens, who founded the Committee To Save The Moondance Diner in spring 2007, along with fellow Preservationist Kyle Supley of Brooklyn, have spared the Cheyenne Diner from oblivion, after sparing the Moondance last summer. Michael Perlman of the Committee To Save The Cheyenne Diner presented a proposal to...

Historic Cheyenne Diner for Sale

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:19:18 GMT

NEW YORK, NY (Apr 9, 2008) -- Citywide Patrons, preservationists, & community groups are disheartened that the architecturally & culturally significant Cheyenne Diner (411 9th Ave at 33rd St) has officially closed its doors on Sun, Apr 6th. A 9-story condo is slated to rise on premise, marking the end of the diner's 68-year run, but a movement is underway which may grant the Cheyenne a new lease on life. The asking price is $7,900 and the buyer is responsible for rigging and lot acquisition costs. Preservationist Michael Perlman of Queens, who founded the Committee To Save The Moondance Diner in spring 2007, along with fellow Preservationist Kyle Supley of Brooklyn, are now campaigning to spare the Cheyenne Diner from...

Darkride Aficionados Pick Their Favorites

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 01:20:39 GMT

VIENNA, OH - Officials of the Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts (DAFE) announce results of the Seventh Annual Member Survey for their “favorite” dark ride attractions (i.e., “haunted house” and funhouse related amusement and theme park attractions). Topping the list for the seventh consecutive year is Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, PA, receiving top honors as DAFE’s Favorite Dark Attraction Park. Number one on the list of Top Ten Favorite Walkthrough Attractions was Kennywood’s Noah’s Ark, a large, rocking boat-shaped funhouse. Built in 1936 the Ark is the last of its kind in the US and one of two left in the world. DAFE Director Rick Davis comments,...

Reminder: The Dover Diner is Closing

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:30:40 GMT

Keep in mind that this will be the Dover Diner's last weekend coming up. We're going to stop in for breakfast on Friday and wish owner Joella Nicastro the best of luck. Joella must move the diner from the location or watch it get bulldozed. She's opted to put the diner in storage, keeping her fingers crossed that an opportunity to restart at a new location will arise or a buyer will give it a new life. You'll find the Dover in Toms River, New Jersey.

Video: Farmington Diner Hits the Road...

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:28:57 GMT

Sunrise Diner still for sale

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:59:08 GMT

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania -- Vermont won't see the Sunrise anytime soon. The Montpelier Times Argus may have jumped the gun with their report from a couple of weeks ago about the impending sale of the Sunrise Diner to a Vermont-based developer. According to the report, the developer hoped to place the diner on a vacant lot in the heart of the state's capital. According to the diner's owner, Noel Behan, no such deal is in the works. Behan bought the Sunrise in July of last year intending to find it a new home so he can expand his adjacent tavern business....

Shawmut Marks a Major Milestone

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:15:03 GMT

New Bedford, Massachusetts -- Our recent visit to the Shawmut Diner felt almost like a reunion of sorts. Roadside has enjoyed a healthy relationship with this landmark diner almost since our first publication. We returned their for an appearance on the Fox News Diner Tuesday segment, but we also reconnected with Phil and Celeste Paleologos after several years since our last visit. We've always recognized the Paleologos family as one of the warmest, friendliest owners in the business. It's hard -- if not impossible -- to leave the diner without a big bear hug from...