Renovated, expanded diner will have room for 150 people
When Doug LaLone was a child, he and his family were regulars at the Little Gem Diner. On Wednesday, LaLone was working late restoring, refinishing and rebuilding the diner. LaLone's business partner bought the diner after it shut down last year and the two came up with a plan for a major expansion. They are adding two dining rooms, an outside patio and an ice cream window - and suddenly the Gem isn't so little anymore.
LaLone says the diner's updated sign will just say "The Gem."
The Gem will keep the classic metal exterior but instead of 50 seats, the gem will have seating for more than 150. The new diner will also serve beer and wine.
"We're trying to take back retro but upgrade it technology wise," said LaLone. "We've obviously re-done the kitchen from the ground up. The dining rooms, everything will be updated and brand new."
Beth Hurny has been watching the Gem's progress from her office across the street and is glad the classic diner is getting a facelift.
"I hope on they're going to maintain that diner character that was attractive about it to begin with," said Hurny.
Hurny says The Gem's new look is just the latest sign of a West Side resurgence.
"I think the revitalization of the Little Gem is going to help with that and probably we'll see more to come because of that," said Hurny.
"We just want to be integrated in the west end. We're from the west end and we want to keep our business right here," said LaLone.
LaLone hopes to have the new Gem open for customers in a month.
