Historic Munson Diner is officially en route to Liberty

LIBERTY, NY — One of the oldest and most cherished diners in Manhattan, the Munson Diner, was being dismantled Wednesday morning as this issue of The River Reporter went to press.

A media blitz was expected to hit the corner of 11th Avenue and 49th Street in Hell’s Kitchen as the steel and glass relic began its long-awaited trip to the Catskills’ Village of Liberty, NY. The move is the first of its kind: a physical relocation and renovation of an historic diner.

The diner is scheduled to arrive in Liberty on Thursday, May 12 by 1:00 p.m. A press will then be held at the diner’s new location, at the corner of Main and Lake Streets.

The Munson Diner has enjoyed a colorful history, from being a choice hangout for pop artist Andy Warhol to the location of a Seinfeld episode, and host to a multitude of radio interviews and TV commercials.

It took roughly three days to disentangle the diner from existing utility lines and its foundation. The structure itself is anticipated to move starting at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, May 5.

The Munson Diner Corp., the future corporate owner of the diner, plans to maintain the diner as an eatery and community gathering spot.

“It is wonderful to rescue and revitalize a piece of American history,” said Jeremy Gorelick, president of the corporation.

The Munson Diner project is part of a campaign to promote downtown Liberty as a visitor destination. Also involved in the project are the staff of LEAP, Liberty Community Development Corporation, the American Diner Museum, and the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.

For more information call 845/551-5615 or 845/807-3759.