The diner restoration project at Pioneer Village aims to provide visitors to the museum and community a chance to taste history.
The Village Diner is an Aristocrat Valentine Diner designed in the 1940s. Ordered from a catalog complete with grill, counter, and stools, and easily moved on a flatbed truck, this style of diner allowed entrepreneurs an opportunity to achieve their American Dream. Many of the small eateries popped up along stretches of highway including Route 6.
Originally serving Kearney, the Village Diner was purchased and moved to Pioneer Village in 1953. It served as a dining option for museum visitors until about four years ago. Inspired to reopen the piece of Americana history and serve customers once again, renovations to the diner began in March 2023.
“I would say this entirely has been redone from the basement up to the top, interior and exterior,” Pioneer Village Director Will Ascarza said. “We’re at the point now that we’re pretty much done. We have a food inspector coming in the next week or two to make sure we’re set to go with a permit.”
Renovation of the diner has been an intricate and methodical process that includes new flooring, fresh paint, LED lighting, updated electrical, all new plumbing, some equipment updates, and more. One of the biggest pieces of the renovation was the addition of a lean-to on the east side with a second window to serve customers outside the Village.
“Now we can serve the public that are not necessarily visiting the museum and they can sit out here and have a bite to eat. Parking is plentiful,” Ascarza said.
With the project nearly complete, Pioneer Village is now seeking an individual or business interested in leasing the historic diner. The location is perfect for serving burgers, hot dogs, fries, root beer floats, and other American classics in the Village and out at the same time. Although the building is small, the layout was designed for efficiency and strategically located near sheltered outdoor areas for guests to enjoy their treats.
The addition of a serving window on the east side has already been a proven success as visitors and community members lined up for a bite when the Boy Scouts served burgers during Kearney County Pioneer Village Days.
“We had them serve food and that was well received. I think it shows the potential of people using the diner,” Ascarza said.
While the Village waits for an interested party to lease the food stand, visitors will have a few chances to grab some food from the Village Diner during several upcoming events.
The diner has been a popular meeting area for the monthly Cars and Coffee event hosted by JCT 6/10 Cruzerz. On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts park their vehicle on the east side of Pioneer Village and gather at the diner for coffee, donuts, and conversation. Upcoming Cars and Coffee dates are scheduled for 8:00-11:00 a.m. on August 3, September 7, and October 5.
Food will be served out of the diner during the Second Annual Car Show hosted by JCT 6/10 Cruzerz and Pioneer Village on Saturday, August 31. With the success of the inaugural event and a whole year to spread the word, organizers are anticipating 300-400 cars at this year’s show.
On September 21-22, Pioneer Village will host a Village Artisan Faire with Living History. The event will feature many activities throughout the weekend and the Village Diner will serve as the centerpiece.
Anyone interested in leasing the diner for seasonal service can contact Ascarza at 308-832-1181 or manager@pioneervillage.com for more information.
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