Bendix Diner to get a new Life
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hasbrouck Heights NJ, If you drove past the corner of Route 17 and Williams Avenue in Hasbrouck Heights this week, you saw something incredible: a piece of New Jersey history hovering in mid-air.
On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, construction crews officially lifted the legendary Bendix Diner off its foundation. The silver-clad landmark, which has stood as a neon beacon since 1947, was split in two and hoisted onto steel beams. While it looks like a demolition site, it is actually the birth of a massive, year-long historic restoration.
🏗️ From “Rotten” to Reborn: The Meskouris Family Vision
The project is being spearheaded by Peter George Meskouris, his brother Alex, and his son James—the powerhouse family behind the famous Jackson Hole diner empire.
After sitting dark following a Health Department closure in January 2024, many feared the Bendix was doomed. Meskouris admitted the building was in “the worst condition” of any property they had ever purchased, describing it as “rotten away.”
“Starting from scratch would have been easier,” Meskouris said. “Instead, we chose the harder route: restoring the Bendix to look exactly as it did when it opened in 1947.”
🎬 Cinematic Roots: The ‘Goodfellas’ Connection
The Meskouris family has a unique history with “celebrity” diners. In 1988, they purchased the Airline Diner in Queens, which became the iconic setting for Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas.
Peter recalls being a “little kid running around on set” during the shoot. “At that time, Ray Liotta wasn’t famous yet, so we were just getting all these autographs,” he laughed. That experience sparked a lifelong obsession with preserving the classic 1950s aesthetic—a passion he is now bringing to Hasbrouck Heights.
🤝 The $1.2 Million Hand-Off
The Bendix was sold by long-time owner John Diakakis for $1.225 million after months of negotiations. For Diakakis, seeing the diner in the hands of the Jackson Hole team provides a sense of peace.
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Trust in the Brand: Diakakis is a fan of the Jackson Hole menu and knows the family “does it right.”
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Family Connection: The two families bonded over their shared “diner obsession.”
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The Future: Diakakis hopes to return to work at the Bendix in some capacity once the restoration is complete in late 2026.
🚦 What’s Next for the Route 17 Landmark?
The restoration is expected to take approximately one year. Here is what residents can expect:
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A Brand New Foundation: The diner was lifted so a modern, sturdy base could be built beneath the vintage structure.
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Period-Accurate Design: Every effort is being made to match the 1947 original look.
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A “Way Better” Product: Combining the nostalgic feel of the Bendix with the culinary reputation of Jackson Hole.
Bendix Diner Restoration Snapshot
| Detail | Status |
| Location | Route 17, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ |
| New Owners | Meskouris Family (Jackson Hole Diners) |
| Purchase Price | $1.225 Million |
| Estimated Reopening | Late 2026 |
| Historic Era | 1940s-Style Stainless Steel Diner |
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