O'Rourke's Diner
Building in Connecticut, United States
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
O'Rourke's Diner was a diner located in the Main Street Historic District[2] in Middletown, Connecticut.
Brian O'Rourke (1976-2023)
| O'Rourke's Diner | |
|---|---|
| |
 Interactive map of the O'Rourke's Diner area | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| Location | Middletown, Connecticut, United States |
| Coordinates | 41.564732°N 72.651891°W |
| Owner | John O'Rourke (1946-1976) Brian O'Rourke (1976-2023) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Mountain View Diner Company[1] |
History
The diner was established in 1941 by John O'Rourke, who later brought the 1946 Mountain View diner car that anchored the diner's distinctive appearance into Middletown.[3] John's nephews, John and Brian bought the diner in 1976. In 1986, due to corrupted business practices, John sold his half share of the diner to his cousin Brian.[4]
On August 31, 2006, O'Rourke's Diner suffered tremendous damage from a fire that broke out after a hamburger steamer was left on overnight.[5] Because the diner did not have fire insurance, fundraising efforts were launched[6] to cover the estimated $350,000 cost of repairs.[7] By June 2007, $180,000 had been raised and preparations for reconstruction were underway.[8] On February 11, 2008, following successful renovations which included assistance from the local community and Wesleyan University, O'Rourke's was reopened at 5:00 am.[9]
In June 2023, the diner closed once again. As of October 2024, the diner has been listed for sale.[10]
Awards/Distinctions
- 2005: Best Diner, Best of Connecticut 2005, Connecticut Magazine [11]
- 2008: Featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.[12]
