George Originos, a self-described “cook, restuarantuer, idiot,” is a third generation New Jersey diner owner. The grandson of Golden Dawn founders in Edgewater, Originos opened the Medport Diner in Medford, New Jersey in 1982 with his father, brother and cousin. “These are the cards that have been dealt to me,” Originos says.

View more audio slide shows.

Renee Branco has been working at PB’s Diner for 24 years. She spends her 10-hour workday on her feet, speaking the language of waitresses and busboys. “People make fun of people for waitressing sometimes,” she says. “They talk down to you, but it’s easy money.”

Audio and photographs by Nick Kladivko and Alexandra Harcharek

George Giambanis, the owner of The Club Diner in Bellmawr NJ, stresses the need for self-reliance and the importance of working for yourself. “You have to love what you do,” he says.

Audio and photos by Chris Carmena

View more audio slide shows

For 87-year-old Ann Varga and her daughter Denise Varga, New Jersey diners have always been part of the regular family routine. “After work, after movies, after a softball game, after a concert, or just because — getting together hanging out with your friends,” says Denise Varga.

Audio and photographs by Julie Shannon

Listen to more audio clips from diner owners, staff, and patrons.

For college student Stacey Martino and a group of life-long friends the Ridge Diner in Park Ridge, NJ, is a place to catch-up and reminisce. “Our local diner will always be part of who we were, who we are, and who we will be.”

Audio and photographs by Jessica Humphrey

Peter’s Diner in Williamstown is mix of the old and new world. “It’s designed with a Greek atmosphere, but with a modern diner with fluorescent lights…and red, white, and blue after 9/11,” says Lucianne Ford, a waitress at Peter’s.

Audio and photographs by Stacy Jones

Saika Kaia, a server at Geet’s Diner, says “a good waitress can save a bad meal, but a bad waitress can’t save anything.”

Audio and photographs by Ian Wudarski and Ariana Trahanas

View more audio slide shows.

“It’s an All-American menu… the only thing we don’t serve here is pizza and hot dogs,” says John Stone, manager of Five Points Diner in Deptford, NJ.

Audio and photographs by Edward Small. Produced by Daniel Shaffery

View more audio slide shows

“I met my husband in a restaurant. This is our dream come true.”

Click here to listen to Jennifer Aiello’s diner story.

Photo and Audio by Danielle Fol

Listen to more audio clips from owners, staff, and patrons.

“It was Election Day. We all went to different polls to vote…but we all came together at the Penn Queen Diner.”

Click here to listen to Georgia Wescott’s diner story.

Photo and audio by India Chapman