A Bergen County landmark diner shut down in early 2025 is getting a second chance.

Its new owners have begun a major restoration project aimed at reopening the historic Bendix Diner along Route 17.

The diner, which dates back to the 1940s, closed after years of deterioration. Now, the Meskouris family, owners of the Jackson Hole restaurant group, have taken over the property and begun renovations to preserve and revive the iconic structure.

“We stopped in, had coffee. My father always liked this place, he was speaking highly of it, saying he loved this original old diner, not thinking we were going to be the new owners of it 10 years later,” said Peter Meskouris, the new owner.

The Meskouris family, now spanning three generations, has made a business out of restoring classic diners across New Jersey. They say the Bendix represents a fading piece of Americana that deserves preservation.

“They all disappeared. Everything’s being torn down, high-rise buildings are going up, apartment buildings,” said James Meskouris, Peter’s father. “These places were icons for years, 24 hours open. You could stop and have a cup of coffee.”

The restoration will require extensive work. While the diner will remain on its longtime site, crews spent Wednesday lifting and moving the structure aside to repair its foundation.

Peter’s son, also named James, does a large bulk of the interior design for their restored diners. They told News 12 they’ve already started collecting vintages pieces for the Bendix.

“The quality really comes from the old stuff, the original. And I think that really brings a look together,” James said.

“It’ll feel like you’re back in the 1950s, an old movie set, from the astrolite to the wolf boxes, the jukeboxes, the vintage porcelain signs,” Peter said.

Peter says they would like to reopen mid-2026, depending on the progress of renovations and construction.