History & Media

The Olympia Diner has survived the ups and downs of the past 70 years and continues to stand the test of time. Throughout the years, many customers have become like family to the diner’s employees and owners. Some patrons have met their spouses here. Deals have been made, contracts have been signed, a marriage proposal accepted  and divorce papers served. Families with newborn babies and elderly grandparents have shared booths and created memories. Traditions were started. Truckers from near and far have rested, digested and fueled up on coffee before heading back on the road. Travelers from the US and abroad have posed in front of the neon sign and bought post cards to mail home.

Professional photographers and Instagramers alike have shot countless photos of the diner, inside and out. Artists of all types have painted, sketched and drawn the diner. Each has captured the stainless and neon structure and brought it to life in their own unique way. Some of these works of art are on display in the dining room. Many commercials & public service announcements have been filmed on the premises as well as scenes from the movies Jacknife starring Robert DeNiro in 1989 and Promises in the Dark starring Marcia Mason in 1979. More recently, a scene from Once More With Feeling starring Drea de Matteo was shot. Politicians on the campaign trail have held rallies here. Magazine and newspaper articles have been written about this fixture of the pike. The Sequoia computer company used the diner in a print ad and the novel Homesick Creek was published using a photo of the diner on the cover.