flippenstance t1_j5gy9zu wrote on January 22, 2023 at 10:53 PM

Before they upgraded there was a much smaller diner in that spot owned by the same family. It was pretty rundown and i think I remember the ceiling leaking when it rained.

spypol t1_j5h3jo2 wrote on January 22, 2023 at 11:28 PM

You mean like more than 20 years ago? Because brownstone diner right before this remodel was the exact same size.

Knobbies4Ever t1_j5i7c4m wrote on January 23, 2023 at 4:15 AM

Yeah the original place was vintage 60s / early 70s (maybe older). Not sure when the old place was knocked down & current building went up: possibly just before JCMC, which opened in 2004.

flippenstance t1_j5ievhh wrote on January 23, 2023 at 5:25 AM

Yes, that's exactly what I mean.

smjcnj t1_j5h6ypz wrote on January 22, 2023 at 11:52 PM

I believe it was the Newport Pancake House when I moved here in 97…looked like it hadn’t changed since the 70’s

smjcnj t1_j5jf5vt wrote on January 23, 2023 at 12:58 PM

Some background on the origin:

https://www.brownstonepancakefactory.com/history

smjcnj t1_j5jhkkp wrote on January 23, 2023 at 1:21 PM

Brownstone Diner JC old website:

https://www.brownstonediner.com/history

alphabet_order_bot t1_j5jhlh7 wrote on January 23, 2023 at 1:21 PM

Would you look at that, all of the words in your comment are in alphabetical order.

I have checked 1,308,206,305 comments, and only 252,905 of them were in alphabetical order.

Knobbies4Ever t1_j5i5uuq wrote on January 23, 2023 at 4:03 AM

Jeez, folks around here are quick with their downvotes.

I remember the old-old place from my early days in JC / mid-90s. No idea why it was called "Newport" as it predated the mall. Smaller, shabby building - but same family, great food, great value. I think it closed at 2 pm or something like that?

I also recall a controversy in which the city wanted to take the land by eminent domain in order to create a parking lot for teachers... maybe for the not-yet-built Conwell School? There was a stink & that plan was withdrawn. Maybe some other old-timers can confirm / add some detail on that history?