Union Street Diner will soon be The Union Street Diner on Stimson, as it is moving from its current location at 70 W. Union St. to a 20 W. Stimson Ave., the previous location of China Fortune.
Jay Shapiro, co-owner of the diner, said the move was necessary because the current building is too small.
“Well, we intended to buy the building, but it didn't happen,” Shapiro said. “This spot's just too small for us. I have like 18 employees on Sunday, and we're just constantly banging into each other, and we just needed a bigger spot as well.”
Shapiro said he decided to keep the diner’s name the same because of its recognizability.
“This has been here for 30 years,” Shapiro said. “It’s kind of tough to take the name away, you know, a lot of people just know Union Street Diner.”
Shapiro said they are hoping to move sometime between Nov. 20 and Nov. 27, and the response to the move has been largely positive.
“A lot of people say they can't wait to see because a lot of people live right around that little area, and they're like, ‘Oh, I can walk there,’” Shapiro said. “I just hear that a lot. So, I think a lot of people seem like they're excited as well.”
According to Shapiro, the menu items and prices will remain the same following the move, but they might add additional specials. Shapiro also said the diner is hoping to get their liquor license and eventually extend their hours.
Sylvie Ballou, a fifth year student studying commercial photography, said she goes to Union Street Diner every once in a while and likes the traditional diner atmosphere.
"It's nice to have a more traditional diner option because obviously Hangover (Easy) is a little different than a traditional diner,” Ballou said.
Ballou said the location change is not going to stop her from going to the diner.
“That honestly might be a slightly more convenient walk, just because we don't have to go up and down Union Street,” Ballou said. “It's definitely more convenient for people who live off campus, probably less convenient for people who still live in dorms, probably. But like for me personally, it's not going to make a difference.”
Maeve McKeown, a senior studying English and political science, said the diner is an Athens staple with both good food and atmosphere.
“Everyone's real sweet in there, and it's pretty cheap,” McKeown said. “And they just really keep my mug of coffee full, and I really appreciate that.”
McKeown also said the current location on Union Street is more convenient for her, but the move to Stimson Avenue will not keep her from going.
