Dayton Diner Reopens In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — After being briefly shut down by the state last week for unpaid sales tax, Dayton Diner reopened on Thursday.

Dayton Diner owed approximately $33,000 in unpaid sales tax. The owner, Chris Karanikas, told Patch that he failed to make his payment in time due to the Columbus Day holiday. The sales tax is due to the state quarterly. The tax for this quarter was owed on a Friday and he did not pay it until Tuesday, Oct. 10. The state is very strict and can shut down a business if the tax is one day late.

But, Karanikas says, they paid the tax and were allowed to reopen this week.

"The community knows us and knows we've been here a long time and we appreciate their support," he said. Related: South Brunswick Diner Shut Down By State

"It is actually a very family-oriented diner. That's how the owners treat employees, as well as their customers," waitress Denise Schwartz told Patch. "There are many regulars that missed the diner for the week it was closed. Unfortunately, things do arise that create unwanted situations, especially nowadays! But this small, family-owned business pulled together and got the diner going again!"

Dayton Diner had its premises seized by investigators with the New Jersey Division of Taxation at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. Dayton Diner is located at the intersection of Rt. 130 and Ridge Road.

Photo provided by Denise Schwartz