The origin story of the diner has strong roots in New Jersey and began more than 100 years ago, when industry pioneer Jerry O’Mahony built and sold his first lunch wagon, the predecessor of the modern diner, out of his Bayonne home. By the 1920’s, the mobile wagon had evolved to larger diner cars in fixed locations. This new style of diner exploded in popularity across America in the 20^th century, largely made possible by the Jerry O’Mahony Diner Company of Elizabeth, Silk City Diners of Paterson, and more than twenty other diner manufacturers operating in New Jersey.

These diners are woven into the fabric of our communities. They are a place to reconnect with old friends, celebrate a school achievement, gather with family in both happy times and sad, or just pass the time when some comfort food and a cup of coffee are what is most needed. They are also a place where new friendships are formed. Spend some time in any diner and you will see patrons and servers asking about each other’s families, or complete strangers sitting at the counter together trading revered stories of their pasts.

Minor League Baseball provides a similar opportunity for the community to come together. Season Ticket Holders become friends with many of the employees they see regularly throughout the ballpark. Fans from all over the state sit next to one another and happily share some laughs and cheers together for a few hours. Much like a classic neighborhood diner, a Somerset Patriots game can often feel like a home away from home and provide an opportunity for people to simply enjoy the passing of time together.