NEWINGTON, CT ​– The Greek family-owned Olympia Diner, 3413 Berlin Turnpike in Newington, a staple for over 70 years and featured in films such as ‘Jacknife’ (1989) starring Robert De Niro, is available for sale or long-term ground lease, according to a real estate listing, the Hartford Business Journal reported on August 9. The diner remains open for the time being.

As noted on the diner’s website, the Olympia Diner was crafted by the Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company of New Jersey, who is said to have produced 2,000 diners from 1917 to 1941. These roadside diners were primarily metal buildings, prefabricated in a factory, and trucked to the location, like the Olympia which originally opened in Massachusetts, and was trucked to Newington, CT, in 1954. The three sections were set atop a waiting foundation and the terrazzo floor was poured on site.

Known as “the longest stainless steel diner in the country,” the “OD” as locals refer to it, has been owned by three Greek families, the Kritikos and Goulias families respectively for 10 years each, and the current owners, the Gavrilis family, since 1974.

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Gavrilis immigrated to the United States from Greece on 1966 and worked at the Olympia. He and his wife Efrosini ‘Florence’ Gavrilis bought the diner in 1974, expanding it with a dining room to double its size in 1986. The couple ran the business together until Manny Gavrilis passed away in 2001. Mrs. Gavrilis is listed as the current owner, but could not be reached for comment at press time.

The diner with its iconic look was also featured in films including ‘Promises in the Dark’ (1979) starring Marsha Mason, ‘Jacknife’ (1989) starring Robert De Niro, and ‘Once More with Feeling’ (2009) starring Drea de Matteo.

More information about the Olympia Diner is available online: http://www.olympiadiner.net.