Backing Historic Small Restaurants
From the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Now in its fifth year, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are once again supporting 50 small or independently owned restaurants across the country through the Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program. Each restaurant—all places that contribute to their neighborhood’s unique history and identity—will receive $50,000 in funding to help them improve their businesses and positively impact their communities.
Grant applications and public nominations will be accepted until 11:59 PM ET on May 30, 2025.
Preserve the Historic 29 Diner Sign in Fairfax City
From Change.org: The 29 Diner is not just a building or a business. It’s a piece of our shared history, an emblem of Fairfax City, Virginia. A local institution, it sits pridefully adorned with a cherished “preservation” marker in recognition of its historic and cultural significance. However, the land it occupies at the intersection of Route 29 and near Chain Bridge Road is now at risk of being sold and potentially redeveloped. Losing the former Tastee 29 Diner would be a significant blow to Fairfax City’s local history. The diner is even on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 29 Diner represents the community’s collective memory. It’s a monument reminding us of the old Fairfax, a city that cherished gatherings, valued traditions, and celebrated life, one homemade American meal at a time. The diner’s sign is a critical part of this legacy – it’s a beacon of nostalgia, overlooking the city and welcoming generations of families who have shared meals and moments here. Would you tear down the Hollywood Sign, or the Welcome to Vegas sign from those communities?
The Delta Diner, a Northwoods foodie destination, is for sale
The Delta Diner serves breakfast and lunch in a renovated 1940s diner in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Delta. Chelsey Lewis/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
From the Green Bay Press Gazette: The Delta Diner, a renowned eatery tucked away in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Bayfield County, is up for sale.
Todd and Nina Bucher, majority owners of the classic diner that has drawn legions of foodies to tiny Delta (population 315), announced in late April that the diner and its associated businesses, Tap Shack and Taste Budz, are closed while they search for new owners.
The Buchers opened the Delta Diner more than 20 years ago. Now their goal, according to the announcement posted on their website, is to find the right person who will “bring new energy to business operations while ensuring the Diner will continue to serve as a cultural meeting place in the community.”
A Return to the Abandoned Royal Hawaiian Motel
From Atomic Redhead: Lost Places Update: Arnie’s Royal Hawaiian in Baker, California, has been recategorized as a Lost Place. Why? In April of 2025, after filming wrapped for season two of Fallout, it was demolished.
Long Island theater renovation uncovers hidden architectural treasures
From CBS New York: Developers were stunned to unearth relics from a century ago from within Port Washington’s Bow Tie Cinema. CBS News New York’s Carolyn Gusoff reports.
After a year in the shadows, fast food giant takes over famous LA spot
Individuals walk by an Arby’s in Los Angeles on June 17, 2024. Ashley Hayes-Stone/SFGATE
From SF Gate: Last year, Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based fried chicken chain Raising Cane’s ruffled some feathers in the Los Angeles area when word got out that the rapidly growing fast food brand was trying to take over the iconic Norms location on La Cienega Boulevard. The historic space, one of the oldest in the 76-year-old diner chain’s portfolio, has been serving hotcakes and affordable breakfast platters in the Googie-style building since 1957.
Facing backlash, Raising Cane’s backtracked on its plans and canceled its presentation to LA’s Cultural Heritage Commission. Shortly after, news also leaked that the chicken tender specialists were going after a separate, but also beloved, location over in Hollywood, right off the 101 freeway. Now, after nearly a year of laying low — and with a different tenant currently running a restaurant on the property — Raising Cane’s is back, and ready to build on one of the most visible restaurant sites anywhere in Los Angeles.
Nearly one year after public outcry about the historic loss, a Raising Cane’s spokesperson confirms to SFGATE that the company is quietly moving ahead with plans to take over the former Arby’s at 5920 W. Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, with a likely opening in late summer or early fall of 2026.