“ORDER UP”…. all your diner questions are on the menu today! Jukebox music is amplified throughout, bright colors on metal booths and stools fill the room, the smell of grease and ice cream whirls around, this image created is the place I will be observing, a diner. Diners have numerous defintions, from the fun milkshakes to the glowing sign, each mean something different for everyone in a community. These establishments have been an East Coast staple for generations, and a setting seen in your favorite shows and films. This cultural artifact has been around since 1913, starting off in an old coach car, and is most known for its 1950’s look. The 1950’s symbolized a shift for diners, as they were given leather booths, countertops, a Jukebox, and much more. Due to its success during that time, the retro look stuck in diners from then on.
If you grew up New York, you probably have experienced numerous diners, each with the same 50’s interior, but different colors. I have, and once I stepped foot in one, it is like I never wanted to stop going. I was always interested in the different varieties of food on the menu, as diners are known for American burgers and fries, but have bakery and ice cream items plus other food types too. I find it captivating, how in the old fashion atmosphere, the people and their interactions are influenced by this specific space. Different types of people fill the booths in a diner, but I picked to focus on the main three groups. Therefore, I will be observing families, couples, and groups of friends. When I interview families, I am expecting they will say that they like diners because of how quick it is, while still getting a sit-down service. I feel they will favor a diner because they do not have to feel judged at a fancier place and will get actual food.
When I observe couples, I expect their answers and actions towards the diner to be based on the relationship circumstances. How long they have been dating, their economic standing, and values all will factor into their attitude toward the diner. I believe that if they are more established with money, they will look down on a diner, as they would like a fancier place to eat. It is hard to expect a specific answer or reaction from friend groups because many friend groups, of younger kids, have different attitudes. Currently, the younger generation is split, as some want to go to more expensive restaurants and some fast food chains. Stereotypes say that usually middle and high school girls want to go to expensive restaurants, and the boys want to have fast food. I want to analyze this “magic” that diners bring to the community, and that make them a favorite of many. From these observations, I hope to find out what makes a diner different from other food establishments, and what has kept this retro icon relevant throughout generations. My main goal is to discover what kind of people come to this establishment, and is it for more than just the food?
Diner Dash 