In 2012, Little Goat Diner popped onto the Chicago dining scene, bringing a retro vibe, blue plate specials, and a menu full of reimagined classics. We were hooked and continue to have a soft spot for all things diner. Especially those that stay true to the concept, from classic menu items like Reubens and Patty Melts, to the vibe and décor. It’s fun, approachable and offers a point of view on what a modern diner can be, even if the inspiration is rooted in past.
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We’ve been talking about Reimagined Retro, and the diner fits firmly in this place. It’s the spot where classics can charm guests with familiarity, interesting twists, and unexpected flavors. Many, like Black Bear Diner with their homestyle comfort foods, are growing. Metro Diner, another growing spot with operations in 11 states, is an award-winning chain that makes all dishes from scratch. While they’ve been in business since 1938, the brand was remastered in 1992 in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s a local favorite, especially during breakfast.
Like Little Goat Diner, Right Fork Diner has one location. Uniquely, it overlooks the Katama airfield and offers guests a view of biplanes landing while they snack on nostalgic eats like root beer floats, comfort foods such as fried chicken and burgers, breakfast staples like french toast, and sandwiches like the Breakfast Club Sandwich. We could go on, there’s so many more. A recent list on Thrillist lists 21 best diners to try. A quick review will inspire you, or make you hungry at the least.
The diner concept has given way to modern iterations of the retro classic. The luncheonette, for example, is having a rebirth with new looks, refined menus, and elevated favorites. Restaurant Business recently covered the list of newcomers to the category and celebrated options like City County in San Francisco, Pittsburgh Lunch & Superette in Seattle, and Woolworth on 5th in Nashville. Consumers are into it, for sure, and with the rise of breakfast and brunch, these spots are suited to deliver.
As we all know, starting with a familiar item that we already love is a proven approach to introducing new flavor profiles. The luncheonette or diner is rooted in familiarity to start, and delivers favorites like pancakes, Eggs Benedict, and classic sandwiches. Recent sightings include a smoked corned beef reuben with kimchi and kraut and a bibimbap breakfast bowl packed with cauliflower rice, pickled vegetables, and sunny side eggs. But it doesn’t stop there. Huevos Epsteinos, a “cross-cultural collision” of homemade chili verde, smoked pork, Parmesan polenta, over-easy eggs, and hash browns can be found at Bluebird Diner in Iowa City. Or stop by Brent’s Drugs in Jackson, MS for a grilled bacon & pimento cheese sandwich with spicy, gooey cheese oozing out and call it a day.
We’ve talked about Reimagined Retro a lot this month, and may continue as we explore the trend in real time. There are so many ways to bring it to life, and with our wide range of products and resources, we’re ready to help dream it up with you. Think Deviled Crab Benedict with our Custom Culinary® Customized Pimento Cheese or a Peking Duck Skillet with savory confit duck in a sizzling skillet with our Custom Culinary® Customized Orange Demi-Glace. Cherry-Glazed Pork Chop, Chicken Pot Pie Fritters, and Steak & Fromage are also in our top pick list.
Need more? We’ve got them. Let’s talk.
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