WETHERSFIELD, Conn. — A popular local diner will likely be shutting its doors, and it’s not even their decision. The owner of the Wethersfield Diner says she feels blindsided and betrayed by both the landlord and the town.
For decades, the Wethersfield Diner has been serving up fantastic food and community camaraderie.
“I just want them to remember that it was a good, home-like place,” said owner Stacey Pribyson.
“There’s something really special about a diner,” added customer Jama Colegrove.
Diners are a disappearing diamond of American culture.
“Diners are like iconic things in neighborhoods,” said Pribyson.
The Wethersfield Diner in particular has endured. They survived a two-year COVID closure, competition from chains, economic pressures, and unfriendly political policies.
“I renovated the whole entire building,” said Pribyson.
She discovered her diner was in danger only when a sign was stuck in the ground by the curb alerting people to an upcoming Planning & Zoning meeting. She quickly learned her business was subject to demolition and redevelopment as an apartment complex.
“The writing is on the wall for me,” said Pribyson. “Even if I fight it, they’ll kick me out or raise my rent.”
Pribyson has worked at the diner since high school and now owns it alongside her husband and mother. She confronts an uncertain future.
“I had no time to plan or save capital or do anything like that. I really have no idea what I am going to do at this moment.”
But regular customers like Jama Colegrove of Wethersfield won’t let the diner disappear without a fight.
“I’m really pissed,” said Colegrove. “I’m really pissed and I’m really sad. I’m kind of outraged actually. It’s really sad and disgusting that this is being done."
FOX61 took that message of disgust to town leaders who say they regret the lack of communication.
“I actually am disappointed,” said Mayor Ken Lesser. “I think the landlord should have contacted them ahead of time.”
Lesser told FOX61 about the apartment plan.
“We need more market rate housing. We also need more affordable housing and we need properties that are higher performing,” explained Lesser.
Lesser and Town Manager Fred Presley told FOX61 they would like to preserve the existing diner and work with other developers in town to move it to another spot. That’s a goal, not a guarantee.
“I’ll just say I hope so. I don’t know. This has all come on us pretty quickly too,” said Lesser.
The diner itself is a prefabricated "Mountain View" model that dates back to the 1930’s. It’s one of the last of its kind.
The new apartment complex would have 18 units along with retail and office space on the first floor and connections to Main Street and Old Wethersfield.
----
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.