Status of Pottsville's Garfield Diner unknown
Jul. 26—POTTSVILLE — The doors of the Garfield Diner are shuttered, but a new owner says he wants to reopen it.
Lights inside the restaurant in the 400 block of West Market Street were off Tuesday, but two people were doing light work on the exterior and roof. One of them, Richard Davis, said he and his fiancée, Kattelin Rogue, are planning to reopen the restaurant.
According to public records, Rogue, of Tremont, purchased the building from the county tax bureau for $6,500 in September.
Davis didn't return a follow-up call on his plans for the building. Numbers listed for the diner are out of service.
A Facebook page called "Garfield Store & More," launched in December, shows pictures of lasagna, french fries and sandwich meats, along with personal items and cleaning materials. A post that month says "Welcome to Garfield diner where we also have a convenience store in the front currently we're only doing carry out."
Another from January states the "Garfield Store" is under new ownership and management and no longer serves breakfast. The same post lists various food items for sale and gives a phone number to place orders for pickup.
The last post is from June 30, advertising for new purses being sold at the diner. Those same purses are visible in the diner's windows from West Market Street, along with five boxes sitting on several tables, a basket and plastic bin containing toys.
Code Enforcement Officer Dave Petravich said his office has had interactions with the owners, talking to them several months ago about garbage in the rear of the building and a tarp on the roof. He said the owner contacted the code enforcement office and told him they would address the problems. No citations were issued.
No garbage is visible around the building, but weeds are growing on one side and at a handicapped ramp.
The diner is located on a parcel that includes an apartment building, which Petravich said has been condemned.
One business owner in the square said he has noticed activity at the site. Erik Tice, who opened Hydrangea Cottage Tea and Gifts across the street at 409 W. Market St. last month, said it appears someone is living in the diner.
"It would be nice to see a new restaurant go in there because it's such a historic spot in downtown," he said. "It's a shame it's not open."
Pottsville Area Development Corp. Executive Director Savas Logothetides, whose Wheel restaurant is located two blocks away, said he was aware of the restaurant's sale and the Facebook page, but hasn't seen activity at the site during the day. The city parking authority rents the diner parking lot for Garfield Square residents.
At night, however, he said he has seen the lights on and people inside.
"Hopefully something will happen to it, as it's a significant historic piece in the city," Logothetides said.
Petravich said the city allows a tenant to reside above a business in a commercial building, but anyone choosing to live in a building zoned for commercial use would have to request a variance for residential use.
"You can't live in a business itself," he said, adding that he hasn't heard any complaints about anyone residing in the restaurant.
Built in the 1950s, the stainless steel diner with 82 seats has had numerous owners and has undergone several name changes. The Schuylkill County Parcel Locator lists Jimmy Manaroulas and George Hazakis as its latest owners before Davis and Rogue.
In October 1960, President John F. Kennedy gave a speech in front of the diner when he was campaigning as the Democratic nominee for president, attracting a crowd of hundreds.
A small plaque marks the spot in front of the restaurant where Kennedy spoke.
Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter
