P&B's Diner and Interior
1 2018-12-07T16:33:36+00:00 Allison N Short 8ad4e52b33023f659b0898787054986492d8dd03 34 1 A postcard depicting the diner and its inside after 1963, when it was renovated to the colonial style plain 2018-12-07T16:33:36+00:00 Allison N Short 8ad4e52b33023f659b0898787054986492d8dd03This page is referenced by:
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Historical Background
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A brief overview of the history of P&B's diner
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Bought from Nick Prieston in 1953, the Orchard Diner became the P&B Diner under the ownership of Greg Petsas and Constantinos Benas (whose surname initials are featured in the new name). The original building was located between Main Street and Delsea Drive, where Matt Blatt Inc is currently located (approximate map coordinates: 39.713574, -75.112119). This Glassboro postcard features a photograph of the front of the building as well as interior views of the diner.
There is no date included on the postcard, but the architectural features indicate that this image was taken before the chrome-style renovations were made to the exterior in 1955. The diner was renovated again in 1963 to a more colonial style, and became informally known as the P&B Colonial Diner. Glassboro resident and Historical Society member, Maureen St. John, recalls that Benas, one of the owners also owned two other diners in the area. The P&B Diner was moved to Delsea Drive to allow for building expansions and the front of P&B’s Diner was used in the construction of the Harrison House Diner, which opened in 1985. This diner was built and owned by Constantinos Benas, and is still in operation today at 98 North Main Street, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. It is now run by Benas’ son, George, and grandsons, Constantine and Michael.
Petsas and Benas purchased a building across the street in the early 1980’s and reopened the P&B’s Diner under the name PB’s Diner. The building was expanded, a liquor license was purchased, and a tap room was opened on the premises, with over 20 beers on tap, live entertainment, and an outdoor patio. St. John points out that the drinking age was lower in New Jersey at the time (age 18) which made the diner a popular late night spot for college students after the bowling alley closed for the evening.
In 2017, PB’s Diner and Tap Room went to Sheriff’s Sale, a public auction for repossessed property. It is reported that the diner owes $1.6 million to BNB Bank. Local resident and fireman Andrew Halter remembers the diner’s popularity, but believes the tap room changed the atmosphere and the prices of the diner. As of the time of the Sheriff’s sale, the diner was owned by John Lefakis.
