Summit Diner Shines Again
A fresh shine on a 97‑year icon.
The Summit Diner has completed a full exterior restoration, returning the 1939 O’Mahony structure to its original appearance after months of work funded through a national historic‑preservation grant.
Michele Greberis, who owns the diner with her husband Jim, said seeing the stainless‑steel façade restored to its historic condition marks a major milestone for the family‑run business.
“It’s wonderful to see the diner shine once again,” said a happy Michele.
The first diner on the site opened in 1929 as a lunch wagon serving railroad workers and downtown employees. The current stainless‑steel O’Mahony model arrived in 1939, the same structure that stands today on the corner of Summit Avenue and Union Place.
The diner has been in the Greberis family since 1964, when Michele’s father, George Contorousis, and Jim’s uncle, John Grabieris, purchased it. The family has operated it continuously since then. Jim has worked at the diner daily since before he and Michele married.
The restoration focused on preserving the 1939 exterior. Gutters were repaired, missing black molding was replaced, the art deco door was restored, and historically similar energy‑efficient lighting was installed. The enamel panels were cleaned rather than repainted.
For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections…
One of the most visible changes is the diner’s sign, which had been down for months after a truck struck the corner of the building. The restored and re‑electrified sign is now back in place.
“Our sign is now back up and electricity restored!” Michele said.
Much of the hands-on work was completed by R.J. Forst Contracting, with 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.
Summit Downtown, Inc. Executive Director Nancy Adams coordinated the grant submission under a tight deadline, working with the diner’s owners to assemble the required materials.
“Nancy got us in under the wire,” noted Michele, who sent thanks to everyone who was involved in getting the job done.
“I had just one day to pull everything together,” Adams said. “I worked with the Greberis’s and gathered information online to submit in time. I was thrilled my application was successful.”
Architect Tom Conway of Kelly, Rosen, Conway Architects provided an early façade review that supported the application.
National Trust and American Express officials said the Summit Diner reflects the type of historic small restaurant the Saving Places program aims to support.
“What started as a pandemic response has grown into a movement to uplift the historic restaurants that shape our neighborhoods and connect generations through food,” said Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability at American Express. “Our 2025 grantees reflect the deep‑rooted food traditions that define American communities, and we hope these grants spark ripple effects that sustain them in the future.”
“For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections, and enjoyed regional cuisine that often reflects our nation’s global roots,” said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The diner was voted #1 Best Diner in New Jersey for 2025 by New Jersey Digest readers and also won Best NJ Diner Breakfast from 94.3 The Point.
Inside, the diner maintains its long partnership with the Other Fellow First Foundation, which marked its 25th year last year and will hold its 19th Annual Frozen Turkey Drive this fall.
Michele said business remains steady, with regulars and new customers filling the booths.
“We are fortunate that we have loyal customers and new customers coming in. It is a busy little place.”
The restoration returns the Summit Diner to the look it carried when it first arrived in 1939.