Summit Diner Shines Again

The Summit Diner has completed a full exterior restoration, returning the iconic 1939 O'Mahony stainless-steel structure to its original appearance after months of work funded through a national historic preservation grant. The project represents a significant investment in downtown Summit's architectural heritage and the continued vitality of a family-owned business that has served the community for decades.

Union County Life covers Summit businesses, historic preservation, and downtown development across all 21 Union County municipalities.

A Diner with Deep Roots

The history of the Summit Diner stretches back nearly a century. The first diner on the site opened in 1929 as a lunch wagon serving railroad workers and downtown employees—a role common for diners during the early industrial period. The current stainless-steel O'Mahony model arrived in 1939 and has stood as a downtown landmark ever since, located at the corner of Summit Avenue and Union Place.

The diner entered the Greberis family in 1964, when Michele's father George Contorousis and Jim's uncle John Greberis purchased the business. The family has owned and operated the diner for more than 60 years, making it a multi-generational community institution.

The Restoration Project

The exterior restoration focused on preserving the 1939 design while ensuring the structure remained functional and weatherproof. The restoration work included repairing gutters, replacing missing black molding, restoring the art deco door, and installing historically similar energy-efficient lighting that maintains period aesthetics.

The enamel panels—a signature feature of the O'Mahony design—were carefully cleaned rather than repainted, maintaining the authentic patina and detail of the original 1939 finish.

Michele Greberis, who owns the diner with her husband Jim, expressed the significance of the restoration: seeing the stainless-steel façade restored to its historic condition marks a major milestone for the family-run business and its role in Summit's downtown.

Project Leadership and Coordination

R.J. Forst Contracting completed the hands-on restoration work, bringing technical expertise to the complex historic preservation project. Peter Greberis, AIA, LEED-GA, Vice President at MKDA in New York City, worked closely with contractors to ensure the exterior remained true to its 1939 design—a crucial role in maintaining architectural authenticity.

Summit Downtown, Inc. Executive Director Nancy Adams coordinated the $50,000 grant submission through a national historic preservation program, securing the funding that made the restoration possible without placing the burden on the family business.

Recognition and Community Achievement

The Summit Diner's reputation extends well beyond downtown Summit. The diner was voted #1 Best Diner in New Jersey for 2025 by New Jersey Digest readers, a recognition that speaks to both food quality and the authentic diner experience. The diner also won Best NJ Diner Breakfast from 94.3 The Point, further cementing its status as a regional destination.

Historic Preservation and Small Business Success

The Summit Diner restoration exemplifies successful small business stewardship and effective use of historic preservation resources. By securing grant funding and undertaking a thoughtful restoration, the Greberis family has preserved an architectural landmark while maintaining the diner's operational viability and community role.

The O'Mahony diner, with its distinctive stainless-steel construction and art deco details, represents a specific moment in American design and industrial history. Preservation of such structures ensures that community history remains visible and accessible to new generations.

Looking Forward

The restored Summit Diner stands as a testament to family commitment, community investment in historic preservation, and the enduring appeal of a classic American institution. The diner continues to serve Summit residents and visitors, offering both nostalgia and quality food in a restored historic setting.

Find more Summit business news, historic preservation, and downtown development on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Jim Greberis

FAQ

Q: What is the Summit Diner?
A: A historic diner located at the corner of Summit Avenue and Union Place in Summit. The current 1939 O'Mahony stainless-steel structure has been serving the community for over 80 years and is family-owned since 1964.

Q: When was the current diner structure built?
A: The current O'Mahony stainless-steel diner arrived in 1939. A lunch wagon occupied the site starting in 1929.

Q: When did the restoration happen?
A: The restoration was recently completed, returning the 1939 exterior to its original appearance after months of work.

Q: What did the restoration include?
A: Work included repairing gutters, replacing missing black molding, restoring the art deco door, installing energy-efficient lighting, and cleaning the original enamel panels.

Q: Who funded the restoration?
A: A national historic preservation grant funded the $50,000 restoration project.

Q: Who did the restoration work?
A: R.J. Forst Contracting completed the hands-on work. Peter Greberis, an architect with MKDA, ensured the work maintained the 1939 design.

Q: How long has the Greberis family owned the diner?
A: Since 1964. Michele's father George Contorousis and Jim's uncle John Greberis purchased the diner over 60 years ago.

Q: What awards has the Summit Diner won?
A: The diner was voted #1 Best Diner in New Jersey for 2025 by NJ Digest readers and won Best NJ Diner Breakfast from 94.3 The Point.