The general interest in owning a real vintage diner has continued into the new century, and since 2002, the market for these structures continues to grow after a brief respite. It seems that whenever the national media turns its attention to the charms of the great American diner, the idea of opening an authentic diner enters the mind of a new wave of prospects. While Roadside certainly welcomes the renewed interest in diners, we recognize the challenges of ownership and operation that often belie the romance.

The positive aspects of restoring and setting up a real diner remain compelling and potentially lucrative. A well-run diner can bring with it many rewards to both the owner of the diner and the community where the diner is located. Diners frequently serve as the focal point for their host communities and have often served as catalysts for their community’s revival. This is as true today as it has ever been.

Both the Miss Albany and Jack's Diners are for sale according to the Albany Times-Union.

We have a long history with both of these excellent establishments and take this news with not a little twinge of sadness. The owners of both diners collectively have acquired decades of service behind the counters in their respective diners and new owners will have much to live up to once they pick up the spatula.

We've easily spent more time at the Miss Albany Diner, visiting with its owner Cliff, Jane, and their son Bill Brown for hours on end. In fact, on one visit, the chat went on for so long, we ended up spending the night at their house. We used to say about the Miss Albany, be sure to stop if within 50 miles of the place, but if you're in a hurry, do not introduce yourself to the owners. The diner's menu represented an updated take on classic diner and featured plenty of excellent fresh-made meals, homemade desserts, and French fries cooked to order.

Jack's Diner distinguished itself not only with its good diner food, but also the warm welcome of its owner Jack Murtagh and the unique styling of the Comac-built structure. Jack's staff included several seasoned waitresses, one of whom reportedly dressed down an Army general trying to bluster his way to some faster service.

You can have the Miss Albany for $350,000 and Jack's for only $175,000. Read more here.

This comes to us via Roadside reader Craig Fitzgerald. Formerly known as the Hilltop Diner, this unit was among the first acquired and restored by Steve Harwin and his Diversified Diners. This notice by no means represents an endorsement of RoadsideOnline.com. We provide this only as a service to our readers.

The diner is a complete 19[55] Silk City Diner, restored by Diversified Diners (Steve Harwin) of Cleveland, Ohio. The diner was moved from Los Angeles to its current location in Branson, MO. It weighs 50,000 lbs. and is 41'3" long, 10'5" high and 16'6" wide. Seating capacity is 55 hungry people.

The interior, with seating counters, is all restored. The diner has not yet been opened to the public or put back into service since restoration as the owners' plans have changed. It is sitting fully intact on concrete blocks and is not attached to the building near where it is located (seen in the background in the photos). It can be lifted for moving by a rigging company from where it sits.

See more photos here.