# New Jersey diner industry trends and history

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-diner-industry-trends-and-history
> Updated: 2026-09-26T00:31:39.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The landscape of New Jersey diners is undergoing significant changes. While the state once maintained over 600 diners, the current total is estimated at over 500, with a notable decline in 24-hour availability. Fewer than 15 establishments currently operate 24 hours a day, with no such diners remaining in Atlantic, Cape May, or Ocean Counties. This shift is potentially linked to the rise of 24/7 convenience stores like Wawa.

Amidst these changes, the historical roots of the industry are being highlighted. The Dumont Chrystal Diner in Bergen County has been identified as the state’s oldest diner, having been built around 1928. Other historic locations include Amy’s Omelette House and Plum on Park, both of which were reportedly constructed in the early 1930s.

## Claims

- The Dumont Chrystal Diner was reportedly built around 1928. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Dumont Chrystal Diner is located at 45 West Madison Avenue in Dumont, NJ. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Dumont Chrystal Diner is still in operation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Amy’s Omelette House, formerly the Burlington Diner, was built in the early 1930s. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Plum on Park, formerly the Park Street Diner in Montclair, was built in the early 1930s. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Dumont Chrystal Diner identified as New Jersey's oldest diner

The Dumont Chrystal Diner in Bergen County, New Jersey, is considered the state's oldest diner, reportedly built around 1928.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dumont-chrystal-diner-identified-as-new-jerseys-oldest-diner

### 2026-08-31: New Jersey 24-hour diner availability declines significantly

New Jersey's 24-hour diner availability has plummeted, with fewer than 15 such establishments remaining in the state, particularly in Atlantic, Cape May, and Ocean Counties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-24-hour-diner-availability-declines-significantly

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Cite as: New Jersey diner industry trends and history. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-diner-industry-trends-and-history