Suburban Diner Undergoing Facelift

Don't panic—the didn't burn down.

The diner may not look pretty now, but it's only undergoing renovations.

Mike Palmer is the project manager for Dover Construction. His portfolio encompasses  a number of familiar local eateries, past and present: the Forum Diner, Twin Oaks, RJ Gators, , Coach House—Palmer has worked on more than 250 restaurants in Bergen County.

Palmer plans to give the Suburban Diner a new look.

"I felt that was a specific location that could use something different than a stainless steel diner or one of those stucco diners that are going up," he said.

It's been about 20 years since the diner was last renovated, Palmer said. The new diner will have an urban look, he said. 

The renderings show a building with higher ceilings, predominately stone walls with throwback signs.

"It's an urban feel," Palmer said. "It's got some California looks, it's got stone on the building. It's got a little bit of today—high tech lighting and signage, but mostly an urban look, something that fits into the scape."

The look is designed to appeal to a younger crowd, Palmer said. Inside, there will be a bar and televisions for people who want to watch sports, he said.

The diner will also sport a private room, to be known as the Patio, that offers a better locale for business lunches, Palmer said. Despite an increase in square footage, the diner is actually losing seats in the renovation, Palmer said. 

The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the expansion plans in October. Dover Construction started work on the diner April 2.

The diner will be closed until work is finished. Palmer expects to be done in 14 to 16 weeks.

"I'm excited for the owners," Palmer said. "They've entrusted us to make this happen for them."