Diamond Restaurant **HALL OF FAME EATERY**

Wonderful 2005 nighttime shot (unknown source)

1975 photo of then co-owner Robert James

1975 photo of brother Ralph James refilling the iced-tea dispenser

Above three pictures all from 1975

1976 exterior shot (looks the same today!)

1976 write-up

Mid-80's nighttime shot (courtesy of Byron Baldwin)

1966 ad

Above thirteen pictures all courtesy of Rick Fisher (Thanks, Rick!)

Located around the corner from the Penguin in the Elizabeth neighborhood is the Diamond Restaurant. The restaurant was opened in 1945 on Commonwealth Ave in a small unassuming brick building by the James family. It was originally called the Diamond Soda Grill and was owned and operated by Flonnie and W. A, James. Sons Robert and Ralph James took over the restaurant operations from their parents in 1963 and ran the Diamond until 1982 when they sold the restaurant to Jerry Pistiolis. The restaurant has kept things simple over the years (the interior has remained unchanged as well as the menu). People have been coming for years for the classic home-cooking--baked and fried chicken, corn muffins, and custard pie are among the favorites.

The Diamond has withstood many obstacles throughout the years--the loss of direct accessibility from Independence Blvd, a neighborhood that was on the skids throughout the 1970's and 80's. By providing good food at a reasonable price, the Diamond has assured its place in Charlotte restaurant history (past and present).

Athen's Restaurant **HALL OF FAME EATERY**

1950's shot of Jerry's Drive-In (pre-Athen's)

Daytime shots (above two photos courtesy of David at Groceteria)

Night shot from May 1984

The legendary sign at night (the arrow blinked towards the building)

Daytime shot of the sign

Original matchbook

September 1966 ad

Above three are interesting black & white interior shots (unknown source)

Athen's Restaurant was open for 43 years on the corner of Independence Blvd and East 4 St (on the edge of downtown). It was known for its classic diner fare and full traditional Greek menu as well as for its famous street-side sign of the chubby chef with the giant blinking yellow arrow. It was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and its patrons ranged from the daytime lunch crowd to the nighttime club goers. Athen's was also famous for one of its waitresses that started to work there in the mid-60's and stayed until the very end. Throughout the years, the area changed from a bustling business district to an area dominated by the local community college (and not much else). Athen's was the one constant in the area. In 2007, Athen's lost its lease to the ever-expanding community college. Currently the corner lot sits vacant awaiting for a new college building.

REVISIONS-- 8-2-2008

1976 ad

REVISIONS -- 8-9-2008

Nice street-side photos from 2006

REVISIONS -- 1-9-2009