Red Lion Diner closes in Southampton; a Wawa is planned

SOUTHAMPTON – Another iconic landmark diner has permanently closed in South Jersey.

Red Lion Diner, which was located at the Red Lion Circle where Route 206 and Route 70 meet, has closed its doors permanently, owners confirmed.

The diner has been around for about 50 years and for the last 5 ½ years has been under the ownership of Efthimios “Paul” Tsiknakis and his family, which also owns Monarch Diner in Glassboro, and Marblehead Chowder House in Westampton and Easton, Pennsylvania. Executive chef Edio Barrera is also a co-owner.

According to plans by the now owner of the parcel, A&B Development Group, a super Wawa is proposed for the space.

“It was basically the result of us getting under agreement with the developer during COVID, during that time all our restaurants were closed,” Tsiknakis explained in a phone interview with the Courier Post. “We really thought it was a godsend to have somebody come and partner up with us. Initially, we were going to build a brand-new diner next door, however, we had the option of not doing that as well. After we saw the cost of construction increase drastically as everybody has felt and interest rates increasing so much, it wasn’t financially feasible to rebuild the diner on the development piece.

“Obviously, we had to keep everything confidential until we had to close the property. There was a cleanout period where we assumed it would allow us to keep the restaurant open for an additional 30 days, however, our legal counsel told us we could not. That’s why it was very sudden, we had to close the operation.”

The landmark Mastoris Diner in Bordentown closed in January 2022 after more than 60 years. A fine-dining Italian establishment, Ristorante Lucca & Piano Lounge, opened in its place.

The Red Lion Diner posted a message on its Facebook page addressed to “Dear Beloved Customers.”

"With a heavy heart we must inform you that the Red Lion Diner has sold. We will not be opening again. We appreciate all the support and patronage throughout the years. It was a difficult decision however we chose what was best for our families.”

The post stated that outstanding gift cards will be redeemed for a full refund. Customers can email info@rldnj.com with their gift card number, name and address and the owners will send out a check within five business days, they stated. The note was signed Red Lion Diner ownership.

When did the Red Lion Diner close?

Some of the wait staff expressed their displeasure on social media about the abrupt closure, saying they had no notice about it before coming into work on the day of the closure.

Tsiknakis admitted the closure was abrupt but said they offered many of the restaurant workers positions at their other restaurants by applying for the jobs.

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“At least half the staff we offered positions to and (some) are working for us currently,” he said.

The diner’s location often offered those heading to Atlantic City or other areas of the Jersey Shore a place to grab a quick bite. It’s located about 50 miles from Atlantic City and Ocean City.

“It was a very emotional day,” Tsiknakis added. “Restaurants have a lot of blood, sweat and tears to operate. Obviously, walking away from something you’ve worked so hard for is very difficult. But in the end, COVID changed a lot of things for a lot of restaurants and a lot of people. I believe it was one of the residual effects of COVID because we entertained the developer because of it.

“It made financial sense for my family. In business, you always have to think of your family and we had to do it for that reason.”

Tsiknakis did add a bit of good news. A familiar majestic figure will loom over drivers in the area.

“One really cool fact,” he said. “I wanted to keep the Red Lion statue that’s in front of the diner locally. A nice family that owns Red Lion Metals down the street purchased the lion and they’re going to put it out front and continue the story of Leo the Lion.”

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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Iconic Red Lion Diner abruptly closes. A Wawa is planned