Half Moon Diner celebrates 20 years
HALFMOON — The Half Moon Diner held its 20th anniversary party Friday, but it was the one handing out the gifts: 30 percent off to customers and the day’s proceeds to area senior centers. It was the Vasilakos family’s way of giving back to the community and the diner’s loyal customers.
“If it wasn’t for everybody who lives around here, we wouldn’t still be here,” Jimmy Vasilakos said.
Teddy (left) and Jimmy Vasilakos are the second generation of their family to run the Half Moon Diner, which their father opened on Aug. 7, 1989.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and Vasilakos expects a heavy dinner crowd because breakfast and lunch customers told him they would be back in the evening — and would bring family and friends.
“One-hundred percent of the people have said it’s a good idea or ‘Thank you for doing that’,” he said. “We even had people give us extra donations” for the senior centers.
The diner hasn’t changed much since Vasilakos’ father, Peter, opened it on Aug. 7, 1989. There are individual Rock-Ola jukeboxes in the booths and seating at the counter.
“We still serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have the same specials as we had before. We have a wide variety,” Jimmy Vasilakos said. “Every 4 to 5 years we redo the menu to keep it up to date. We’ve added lighter choices, salads.”
Will the diner offer the same deal — 30 percent off and proceeds donated to charity — on its 40th anniversary in 2029?
“We’ll be here,” Vasilakos said. “My brother and I are still young guys.”
- The Half Moon Diner is located at 231 Grooms Rd. (at the corner of Route 9).
