Back In Business: Montclair "Char-Broil" Diner Will Re-Open Sunday Morning

First there was the scrubbing of all the windows on Friday. Then there was the flashing of a red "OPEN" light—just to make sure it worked. Finally, on Saturday afternoon, there was the laughter of owner Gus Makris.

With an ear-to-ear grin, Makris said his diner, the "Char-Broil," will finally re-open "for sure" at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.

"You'd better get everyone to come in here," he quipped, noting that "it's been a long wait."

He said it took him longer to re-open than he thought it would because of the time it took to get all the much-needed township inspections completed.

A recent walk around the interior revealed a new "Americana" look for the old fashioned eatery, as Makris described it, with fashionable booths decorated in deep reds and blues.

"We may even put up American flags outside," he said proudly.

For some time, the diner also has sported a new blue awning that reads simply: Montclair Diner.

The restaurant at 613 Valley Road in Upper Montclair—known for being open even in the midst of the heaviest of snowstorms—has been closed since April 19, 2011, when an electrical kitchen fire put the business out of commission and forced a reconstruction.

Although no one was seriously injured, the blaze covered the diner in soot, with the main room burned almost beyond recognition.

With Five Guys mysteriously closed down across the street, residents say it will be nice to have the diner back—which always served a good burger, in addition to almost everything else imaginable according to its vast menu.

Montclair Char-Broil Restaurant
613 Valley Road
Upper Montclair, NJ  07043
973-746-0911