The basics

• Summit Diner named among 50 restaurants awarded $50K grants
• American Express, National Trust for Historic Preservation lead program
• Resy to waive one year of service fees for participating restaurants
• Summit Diner a local landmark since 1929, currently features 1938 railcar design

The Summit Diner – one of New Jersey’s oldest – is among dozens of historic restaurants across the U.S. that will each receive $50,000 grants to help renovate and grow their business.

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation spearhead the initiative. Summit Diner is one of 50 historic and culturally significant eateries nationwide awarded funding through the “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” program, according to an Aug. 25 press release.

Additionally, American Express-owned restaurant management platform Resy will waive one year of service fees for each grantee to its ResyOS software, the announcement said.

Located in downtown Summit, the 96-year-old diner’s current railcar-style structure made by the Jerry O’Mahony Co. dates back to 1938.

The Greberis family has owned the spot since 1964. The diner is known for its unchanged design, classic counter seating and old-school menu board. It also frequently ranks among the best diners in the state for both its comfort food and character.

Over the years, just a few of the famous faces to drop into the diner include Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Jim Cramer, Jon Corzine and Rex Ryan. It’s also rumored that Ernest Hemingway was once a customer there, as well.

‘Our nation’s global roots’

Since launching in 2020, Backing Historic Small Restaurants has awarded more than $8 million to 180 restaurants in the U.S. The program helps businesses restore, expand, hire and innovate, according to American Express.

Previous local recipients include Ray’s Luncheonette in Montclair four years ago.

American Express Head of Corporate Responsibility Madge Thomas commented, “What started as a pandemic response has grown into a movement to uplift the historic restaurants that shape our neighborhoods and connect generations through food. Our 2025 grantees reflect the deep-rooted food traditions that define American communities, and we hope these grants spark ripple effects that sustain them in the future.”

Carol Quillen, president of CEO of Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit National Trust for Historic Preservation, added, “These restaurants demonstrate the power that places hold. For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections, and enjoyed regional cuisine that often reflects our nation’s global roots.”

“We’re grateful and proud to join with American Express to help ensure that these meaningful places thrive and continue to serve as vibrant, welcoming spaces for years to come,” she said.

American Express’ Backing Small Businesses grant programs also includes the Backing International Small Restaurants initiative.

Now in its fourth year, Backing International Small Restaurants expects to award $1.45 million to 100 restaurants globally for 2025. Together with Backing Historic Small Restaurants, these two programs plan to provide nearly $4 million in funding and resources to 150 restaurants around the world this year alone, American Express said.