Hi, I'm Mark, and I have a dream of saving a genuine piece of vintage American roadside architecture and creating a unique dining experience in the heart of the UK countryside.
I have had an obsession with diners for many years; fascinated by their shiny stainless panels, sense of community and genuine place in the history and culture of America. It'd be safe to say that I probably know a bit too much about these superb roadside eateries. Its been my long held ambition to save one, bring it back to life and open it to the public.
A couple of years ago I got a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a genuine 1946 diner as the land it was sitting on was required for redevelopment and the diner was in danger of being lost forever. The diner is one of 4 remaining genuine vintage diners in the UK and a rare and beautiful thing. Even in their USA homeland diners are fast becoming scarce, with their land sold and the buildings razed to the ground, existing only in photographs and fond memories.
The Riverview Diner first opened in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in April 1946 and has had an interesting life so far. It moved to the UK in the 1990's into Covent Garden, London and then on to Ashford in Kent where it traded until finally closing its doors in the late 2010's.
I have poured my soul into saving this beautiful diner. I am empassioned by the history it has sat through, the conversations held over its counter & tables - from the GI's returning from World War II to the Presidents elected and social change thats happened since it opened its doors.
So far, I have acquired the diner and spent countless hours cleaning and refurbishing it. Have located and secured a permanent site on the A4 at the edge of the Wiltshire Downs, which is part of the tourist trail The Great West Way. I have set up a successful cafe business on the site - Dandy Highwayman Ltd - and achieved planning permission to site the diner and build a kitchen & toilet extension.
We are SO close to being able to create the most unique dining venue for miles around and deliver a genuinely authentic diner experience. This Crowdfunder project will mean we can undertake the building works required and move the diner to its new home.
If you believe in giving the "little guy" a chance to fulfill a dream; believe in creative independent businesses; or simply believe this diner should be given a chance to have a permanent home and continue its fascinating story; then I hope you will donate to support our project and make it happen!
Thanks for taking the time to read about the project.
Remember... Save The Diner - Save History!