The old–timey train car-style diner was once a New Jersey staple, but lately, more and more of them are now fading into history books.

As you pull into the Roadside Diner on Routes 33 and 34 in Wall Township, not much on the outside has changed in 76 years. But on the inside, a three-month renovation project under the direction of new owners Maria and Nick Kallas is about to pay off.

“We just wanted to shine it up and bring it back to life,” said Maria Kallas.

The couple purchased the sought-after Roadside Diner earlier this year when the previous owner retired. Nick and Maria’s fathers co-owned the old Parsonage Diner in Edison. They eventually got married. You could say diners are in their genes.

“My father came here young with the Navy, and he was a cook in the Greek Navy, and I don’t know, he just happened to get involved in the industry. All the Greeks ended up in diners,” she said.

The building’s history is also well preserved. A mural painted on the side reads “Silk City 4932” out of respect for its origin.

“Ours is built in 1949. I believe it was the 32nd train car that was built in New Jersey and that was the manufacturer from Paterson, and they built these diners,” said Nick Kallas, who also will double as the head chef. Paying homage to yesteryear, the Kallas’ found a classic antique jukebox that still works.

“We found that in Keyport. Our friend called us up, said, ‘I had one available’ and we jumped all over it and it’s from the 1950s,” said Nick Kallas.

A local community is eager to once again slide open those classic train-style doors.

“It speaks family when you walk in. It looks like a family joint. It feels like a family joint. It just gives you that family vibe. It’s extremely important,” said Dave Agront, who works at a business up the street from the Roadside.

“I love saving these. There’s not a lot left. And I would hate to see it get knocked down or turned into something else,” added Nick Kallas.

The Kallas' hope to have the Roadside Diner back open within the next week or two.