Ever since an early morning electrical fire gutted the Maplewood Diner on March 6, 2011, the former Maplewood mainstay has been shuttered.
But now, after a few fits and starts, the Maplewood Diner is coming back with a vengeance, with plans to open by late May and offer 24-hour diner fare.
Its two co-owners are a duo of diner dynasties — one from the legendary Tick Tock Diner in Clifton and the other formerly an owner of the fondly remembered Kless Diner in Irvington.
The two men will be offering a full diner menu, 24-hour dining, an on-site parking lot, and a party room to rent for 40-50 guests. A “Help Wanted” sign hangs in the window: call 973-763-6511.
George Filippatos (he of the Kless) was at the Maplewood Diner finalizing improvements on Monday, May 16.
“I like this spot,” said Filippatos. “I like the location and the changes.”
Filippatos pointed out the window to the rapidly rising 235-unit Avalon Bay project and the Wawa site being cleared across Chancellor Avenue. After years of investment retreating westward along Springfield Avenue, out and away from Newark and Irvington — and even Maplewood, Filippatos said interest has returned to the east.
“Young people like urban areas,” said Filippatos, whose daughter lives in Millburn, works in Manhattan and says she will be on hand to help out. Filippatos sees nothing but positive things for Springfield Avenue in Maplewood and says that the town’s success is good news for its neighbors in Irvington.
“It catches on. It’s coming back.”
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