End Of An Era

Since 1949 drivers on Route 166 in Toms River have viewed one of the great business signs of all time. Sitting on top of the Dover Diner are the words “Eat Here or We’ll Both Starve” and no matter how many times I’ve passed that sign I’ve chuckled. However the popular diner will close after Sunday to make way for an office building as part of the future expansion of the Dover Mall. Joella Nicastro knew this day was coming but you can excuse her for having a hard time accepting the end because she’s spent some 21 years serving breakfast to hungry patrons. An Ocean County native, Joella started working at the diner as a waitress, moved up to manager and eventually took over the operation from the Jamison Family who opened the eatery in 1949.

The structure is a Silk City Diner, built by the Paterson Vehicle Company who operated from 1927-64. The stainless steel structure is a complete unit which Ms. Nicastro is going to keep and try to re-locate. For now she’ll store the diner while she searches for a location as many customers have vowed to follow her not only for great food and bottomless cups of coffee but the loud, bustling atmosphere that comes with the territory. Seats may be a premium at times but conversation is endless and loyal customers can usually solve all the problems of the world by the time they get to their third cup of coffee.

Joella praised the Donofrio Family, owners of the property because from day one she knew that eventually the site would be needed for other construction. She is cautiously optimistic that one day in the future the Dover Diner will re-open and again we’ll be greeted by the words “Eat here or we’ll both starve.” However you have until Sunday to be guaranteed a chance to enjoy one of their great omelets, crispy home fries and even sausage gravy. Take a picture because an era is coming to an end.