The Red Rose Diner located at Towanda, Pennsylvania Closed on August 31, 2017

The Red Rose Diner, a quaint relic of America's roadside dining heritage, stood as a testament to the enduring charm of classic diners amid the ebb and flow of economic pressures, ownership changes, and community loyalty. Located in Towanda, Pennsylvania, this 1927-built structure has weathered nearly a century of transformations, from its origins in another town to multiple closures and reopenings. Once boasting its own website at RedRoseDiner.com, the diner has seen its digital presence fade alongside periods of physical dormancy. It's journey is one marked by resilience and uncertainty. This article delves into the diner's rich history, and some factors leading to its ups and downs.

The historic exterior of the Red Rose Diner in Towanda, showcasing its vintage architecture and signage.

Origins and Early Years: A Pioneer in Diner Design

The story of the Red Rose Diner begins in 1927, when it was constructed by P.J. Tierney and Sons in New Rochelle, New York. Originally named the Lackawanna Trail Diner, it operated in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, serving travelers along busy routes. This was no ordinary eatery; it was designed as one of the first diners to appeal specifically to women, a demographic often overlooked in the male-dominated lunch wagons of the era. Features like small tables for ladies, stained glass windows for privacy from passersby, and elegant mosaic tile floors set it apart. The interior boasted marble countertops, oak walls, and original fixtures that have remarkably survived to this day.

The diner's first owner was the father of George Metropoulos Jr., who was 92 in 2009 and recalled working there as a young man. It represented a shift in diner culture, expanding from quick stops for truckers to family-friendly spots. For decades, it hummed with activity in Stroudsburg, embodying the golden age of American diners during the interwar period and post-World War II boom. However, by the late 20th century, changing travel patterns and urban development threatened such historic structures, leading to its eventual relocation.

Relocation to Towanda and the Tindall Era (1998–2009)

In 1998, diner enthusiast Gordon Tindall purchased the aging structure, which had fallen into disrepair. Tindall, known for his passion for preserving vintage diners, restored it meticulously in Lancaster County before transporting it to Towanda in 2003. Renamed the Red Rose Diner—inspired perhaps by Pennsylvania's floral symbolism or simply its rosy future—it found a new home at 526 Main Street, along U.S. Route 6. This move breathed new life into the building, positioning it as a local landmark and tourist draw in the small town of Towanda, population around 2,800.

Under Tindall's ownership, the diner operated successfully, attracting locals and travelers with its authentic 1920s ambiance. It featured classic menu items like burgers, fries, and homemade pies, served in a compact space that could seat about 20 people. The restoration preserved original elements, including the grill, refrigerator, and even the telephone, making it one of the most complete Tierney diners in existence. Tindall's efforts earned praise from diner historians, and the spot became a symbol of Towanda's connection to America's highway history.

Ownership Transitions and Closure (2009–2017)

In February 2009, Tindall sold the diner to Michael Holt and Bill O'Shea, both from Bucks County, who were drawn to its historic allure. Holt, a self-proclaimed "diner fanatic," had scoured the country for such a gem, visiting over 50 diners before settling on this one. They held a grand reopening on April 1, 2009, expanding hours and adding menu items while committing to keep it in Towanda. Holt even applied for National Register of Historic Places status, highlighting its cultural significance.

Holt managed the diner until 2015, when operations passed to Joe DuPont in December of that year. DuPont ran it as a labor of love, but by 2017, challenges mounted. On July 23, 2017, DuPont announced the closure, citing a desire to spend more time with family and describing the business as an "expensive hobby." The diner shuttered its doors on August 31, 2017, after more than a decade under the Red Rose name. Regulars like Lon Frawley mourned the loss, praising the eclectic conversations and family-like atmosphere fostered by staff such as server Jennifer Sackett. Customers hoped a buyer would emerge to preserve this unique piece of history.

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Reference https://www.thedailyreview.com/news/business/red-rose-diner-for-sale-again/article_af158a04-7e67-5d96-bae2-747a14132876.html