The Purple Lion Diner, a long-standing institution in Southampton Township, New Jersey, has been offered, leaving clients shocked and saddened. Paul Tsiknakis, the proprietor, mirrored on the bittersweet second as he cleaned and packed up the diner’s belongings. The diner, as soon as bustling with conversations, now sits empty and closed.

Tsiknakis took over the Purple Lion Diner 5 and a half years in the past, however its historical past spans again 5 many years. Positioned on the circle at Routes 206 and 70, the diner was an area landmark and a preferred cease for vacationers heading down the shore. Tsiknakis expressed his appreciation for the loyal workers and buyer base, however in the end, the diner fell sufferer to the impression of COVID-19.

Through the peak of the pandemic, Tsiknakis entered right into a contractual settlement with a developer, intending to construct a brand new diner. Nevertheless, rising development prices and rates of interest disrupted his plans. Regardless of initially planning to maintain the diner open for 30 days to progressively empty it out, Tsiknakis was knowledgeable by attorneys that this was not possible, ensuing within the sudden closure.

Clients reminisced about their fond reminiscences on the Purple Lion Diner, expressing their disappointment at its closure. Tsiknakis revealed plans for a proposed Wawa to be constructed on the location, however he ensured that a few of the diner’s historical past can be preserved. One notable piece, a ten,000-pound marble lion known as Leo, which as soon as graced the diner’s entrance, has been offered to an area steel firm. The proceeds from the sale have been donated to the United Trooper’s Fund, permitting Leo’s legacy to dwell on within the city.