Miss Wakefield Diner Book by New Hampshire's Finest Real Estates

Miss Wakefield Diner & Gracie’s Country Store

Centrally located between on the Main Artery between Portsmouth and North Conway with no other restaurants for miles in either direction.

www.IconicDiner.com | www.MissWakefieldDiner.com

The Story Behind the Miss Wakefield Diner

Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was the manufacturer for what most consider the of iconic roadside diners from 1917 to 1952 producing over 2000. The very first one was purchased for $800. Jerry O’Mahony is credited to creating the term “Diner”

It is believed only 22 of these diners remain across the United States many are placed in the National Register of Historic Places. Some have made the journey across the pond overseas to Germany and the United Kingdom.

Timeless Design: Unlike brick and mortar restaurants that often require frequent updates to stay relevant every few years, the design of the Jerry O’Mahony diner remains a lasting symbol of American Nostalgia. A step back in time that remains fresh for all generations enjoyed in the past and will in the future. O’Mahony’s design was inspired by the dining car on trains. Diners are Revered as the go-to road side gathering place to serve up Americana comfort food with a side of nostalgia-and perhaps with great cup of coffee.

Center of Attention: The Miss Wakefield Diner has been featured on many news stories, NH Chronicles, and even a television commercials for PSNH (now Eversource) It is the go-to location for politicians on or off the campaign trail, celebrities, locals and not so local visitors.

The Miss Wakefield Diner in the heart of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire on White Mountain Highway (Rt 16), with between 9,000 and 17,000 cars driving past daily. It is on the main artery from the seacoast to

O’Malony Factory 1917

the lakes and mountains. There simply are no restaurant or eatery for miles in either direction. Few as good as this place anywhere.

With over 5 acres of level parking and over 800 feet of very visible road frontage it is the perfect venue for huge gatherings, car and bike rallies, and other events year round. At one point there were 1500 bikers on site. Being steps from the Cotton Valley Rail Trail, an 1890s train track where hikers, bikers and snowmobilers connect Wakefield to Lake Winnipesaukee.

Inside is original vintage details blend with modern updates for a clean and memorable dining experience. Pressed stainless steel walls, original cushioned stainless stools at the counter and booths separated by clear panels. The owner also installed Merv 16 Filtration and UV Light system into the new HVAC which significantly purifies the air in the building.

The restaurant is rated for 90 seats. There is also plenty of outdoor seating on a side deck plus out front.

There is ancillary income provided by two billboards on site. The building is approximately 3,876 SF with a second floor office. Sale includes all FF&E.

Come to a place people have gathered for generations with comfort food, great atmosphere and many memories. It is for sale to the lucky restaurateur /investor ready to serve up a great return. Make it Yours.

Where Friends blend with Nostalgia

www.IconicDiner.com | www.MissWakefieldDiner.com

Cooking equipment

• Commercial range (gas/electric)

• Convection oven

• Combi oven (optional)

• Salamander broiler

• Charbroiler/grill

• Flat-top griddle

• Deep fryer(s)

• Steam table/hot holding cabinet

• Rice cooker (as needed)

• Microwave (commercial)

Refrigeration & Cold Storage

• Walk-in cooler (6’ x 8’)

• Chest Freezer (3)

• Reach-in refrigerator(s)

• Undercounter fridge

• Undercounter drawers

• Prep table refrigerator (sandwich/salad unit)

• Ice machine + ice bin

• Display fridge

Food Preparation Equipment

• 60” thermostatic griddle

• 2-basket fryer

• Food processor

• Commercial blender

• Stand mixer

• Slicer

• Meat grinder

• Dough sheeter/roller

• Dough mixer

• Vacuum sealer

• Scale(s) (portion & receiving)

• Can opener (commercial)

Equipment List

Dishwashing & Cleaning

• Commercial dishwasher

• (3) Three-compartment sink

• Handwashing sinks

• Pre-rinse sprayer

• Dish racks/carts

• Mop sink / janitorial sink

• Grease traps

Ventilation & Fire Safety

• Type I hood (for grease-producing cooking)

• Type II hood

• Make-up air system

• Hood suppression system (Ansul or equivalent)

• Fire extinguishers

• Fire alarm/smoke/heat detectors (per code)

• Merv 16 Filtration and UV Light system into the new HVAC

Beverage & Bar

• Commercial coffee brewer

• Hot water dispenser

• Soda gun / fountain system

• Bar refrigerator / back bar cooler

• Glasswasher

Holding, Warming & serving

• Heat lamps / pass-through warmer

• Food warmer drawers

• Soup kettle / warmer

• Cold well / refrigerated display

Front-of-house & POS

• POS terminal(s) + cash drawer

• Receipt printer(s)

• Kitchen display system (KDS) or ticket printers

• Credit card reader(s)

• Menu board

• Reservation/waitlist tablet

Storage & Stainless Fixtures

• Stainless prep tables

• Work sinks

• Speed racks

• Shelving (wire and/or stainless)

• Ingredient bins (flour/sugar)

• Dunnage racks (for dry storage)

• Knife racks / magnetic strips

Smallwares (essentials)

• Pots, pans, sheet trays,

• Cutting boards

• Knives & sharpening tools

• Tongs, spatulas, ladles, whisks

• Mixing bowls, cambros, measuring tools

• Thermometers (probe + infrared)

• Timers

• Strainers/colanders

• Food storage containers & labels

Safety & Sanitation

• First aid kit

• Sanitizer test strips

• Cleaning chemicals & dispensers

• Floor mats (anti-fatigue, non-slip)

Property Features

BUILDINGS EXTERIOR

• Vintage 1949 Jerry O’Mahony Stainless Steel Diner built in Elisabeth New Jersey, trucked to Greenbush, New York as an operating Diner for 30+ years and then transported to Wakefield, NH (current location) operating as a diner since 1992.

Additional building built creating Gracies Country Store

• May possibly add a drive through (Variances may be required)

• Separate sheltered building housing a power generator holding a 200kw Brand Name generator and 1500 gallon buried propane tanks

• Iconic 10 foot Carved Moose and 12 foot high carved bear by local chainsaw artist.

BUILDINGS INTERIOR

• The diner still has original details and fixtures including original stools, stainless wall panels, decorative sconces and corbels

• Dining booths are larger than many diner booths with plexiglass panels between

• Modern professional kitchen expected with tones of storage and cooking areas prep stations and sinks Advertising panels available inside.

• Owners added a Merv 16 Filtration and UV Light system into the new HVAC system during COVID which sanitizes the air throughout the restaurant

LOT

• 5.18 acres of level land

• 884 ft of frontage on White Mountain Highway

• Traffic count estimated from 9,000-17,000 per day

• Paved parking around building

• Level parking beyond enough for events, car and bike rallies trailers, snowmobiles

• Ancillary income from 3 billboards on site

• An additional curb cut possible on this lot--The only curb cut allowed from the restaurant to Boston

• Developable Lot

• Possible additional land and housing negotiable

LOCATION

• The only road side breakfast and lunch restaurant for 30 minutes north on Rt 16 and none found south past Portsmouth NH or over 60 minutes south

• Located in the heart of the Lakes Region and the Go to location for travelors to an from the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire and the Seacoast

• 5 minute walk to the Cotton Valley Rail Trail that connects Wakefield to Lake Winnipesaukee for hikers, bikers and Snowmobilers.

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NOTORATORY

• Several politicions have visits on and off the campaign trail including Jeb Bush, Governor Benson, Governor Sununu, Jean Shaheen and more

• Celebrities are not uncommon in these parts include too many to mention

• A wonderful television commercial features the Miss Wakefield Diner for PSNH (now Eversource)

• Featured in New Hampshire Chronicles and WMUR

• Featured in New Hampshire Diners, Classic Granite State Eateries. by photographer and author Larry Cultrera

• Featured in www.DinerHotline.com

Thank you for his contributions for many of the historical images and insight in this book

• Featured in many social media and websites dedicated to the history of Jerry O’Malony and Diners

From the Factory in New Jersey to Pat & Bobs Diner in New York to the Miss Wakefield Diner in New Hampshire

The Making of an Icon

The First diners were horse drawn carts - really the first food trucks of today Jerry and Dan O’Mahony were so taken with the idea of the mobile the purchased 7 of them. They loved the dining cars of trains as well. The idea of making a much larger and stationery version sparked the enduring road side Diner style--even branding them as “diners” in their company brochures. The beginning of these American Icons all began in a factory in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1917. The company’s motto: “In our line, we lead the world”

Prefabricated in a factory and trucked to locations buyer desired. These diners were also designed to be turnkey for owners to start a successful restaurant. By the 1950s, the Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company produced and sold over 2,000 of these stainless steel icons, mostly in the Northeast, and created what most consider a classic diner today. The very first one was purchased for $800. It is believed only 22 of these diners remain across the United States with many placed in the National Register of Historic Places. Some have made the international journey overseas to Germany and the United Kingdom.

Made to be Permanent or Movable What makes

Diners unique is that they are made to be permanent structures and can be easily dismantled and moved

The John O’Mahony Diner Factory, Elizabeth, New Jersey Established 1917

Pat & Bob’s Diner for sale prior to its move to New Hampshire

Diner delivered to New Hampshire

O’Mahony Factory in Elizabeth New Jersey

Pat & Bob’s Diner in East Greenbush, New York

Miss Wakefield Diner Opens by Richard and Sara Brenner in NH

Wakefield Diner

to another location. The Miss Wakefield Diner was the originally built in 1948, trucked to East Greenbush, New York. Patsy, Jon and Robert Carpinello who opened a successful diner known as Pat & John’s Diner. It was later renamed Pat and Bob’s Diner. The diner retired after Pat & Bob’s retirement, and then went neglected for years. Some believe it went to a scrap yard. Afterall it was covered inside and out with valuable stainless steel. It was a mess but never died. Around 1991 Richard and Sara Benner purchased and then transported the diner 250 miles east to its current location in Wakefield, New Hampshire. Not an easy task since it was 16 feet wide and nearly 30 tons.

Years of renovation, love and a dream it became new again. In 2012 Scott and Gracie purchased upgraded the entire diner and kitchen. They then added a building for Gracie’s Country Store and an office upstairs as well as a secure power station.They also did extensive excavation leveling the 5.18 acre lot, adding visibility and gave patrons to able to park their bikes or trucks or trailers or snowmobiles. Everyone welcome.

Timelessness of Design:

Unlike fast food brick and mortar restaurants need to be refreshed every few years to be relevant. The design of the Jerry O’Mahony Diner remains a symbol of American Nostalgia. The original pedestal seats at the counters are still present. The stamped and decorative stainless wall panels still shine. Miss Wakefield Diner is revered as a road side gathering place to serve up comfort food and a bit of nostalgia always with a great cup of coffee.

www.IconicDiner.com | www.MissWakefieldDiner.com

The Miss Wakefield Diner is located on the main artery midway from the seacoast to the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire on highly visible and high traffic count Rt 16. It is also a 5 minute walk to the Cotton Valley Rail Trail connecting hikers, bikers and snowmobilers from Wakefield to Wolfeboro making this the ideal go to stop surrounded by all the best New Hampshire amenities year round.

Miss Wakefield Diner