Peter Pan Diner in Bay Shore officially reopens following devastating 2024 fire
The fire on July 2, 2024, nearly forced the south shore icon to close for good.
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This morning, the iconic Peter Pan Diner held its grand opening and officially welcomed back customers for the first time since a fire devastated the eatery 20 months ago.
People were filing in before owner Peter Lentzeres could even flip the 'we're open' sign over.
"Nothing compared to the Peter Pan Diner, nothing," longtime diner patron Donna Tucker said.
On July 2, 2024, a kitchen fire quickly spread throughout the building, taking 70 years of history with it.
Lentzeres said the smoke was still billowing when he decided he wouldn't turn his back on his family or the community and promised to rebuild.
"It's been in my family for 70 years and we are such a big part of the community," he said. "We know so many people. We know three or four generations of family. We've established a lot of friendships, long-term friendships."
On Monday, the diner held a soft opening to get staff back up to speed.
Today, they got a fresh start.
"It's just a great, warm, loving atmosphere," diner patron Roseanne DeGasero said. "They're just wonderful people and it's a great diner. The food is wonderful."
Lentzeres said the restaurant has a new look both inside and out, as well as an updated menu, but the heart and soul that people fell in love with, dating back to 1955, remains the same.
