Specials for patrons mark the occasion
By John Tredrea, Special Writer
When longtime New Jerseyans reminisce about “the good old days” in their state, one thing they’re likely to say is: “Gee. Remember how many diners there used to be? There were diners in the towns and in between the towns, too. What happened?”
Yes, a lot has changed. But the Amwell Valley Diner and Restaurant has survived and thrived and its current owners are celebrating their 25th anniversary at the site.
On the southbound side of Route 31 in West Amwell (south of Ringoes), not far from Hopewell Township’s northern border, the busy diner has been owned and operated for the past quarter-century by the Siliverdis family.
”It’s been an honor for my wife and I to be part of the growth of this area for last 25 years,” said patriarch Simon Siliverdis. “We feel privileged to have served this area for this long.”
His wife Aglaia Siliverdis added: “Serving this community and surrounding area all this time has been very rewarding. Our customers have become part of our extended family.”
Indeed, the Amwell Valley has many regular customers, and not all of them live around here. The parking area extends far behind the diner and, whenever you go there, odds are you’ll see several full-size tractor trailers parked out back, bearing license plates from all over the country.
When you walk in and sit down, you notice that every square inch of every surface is immaculately clean. The table service is quick, courteous and efficient (you won’t have to ask for a coffee refill here. After being asked “more coffee, honey?” you’ll be offered more brew well before your cup is empty, always). The food is always good and, if it’s supposed to be hot, it is piping hot.
THE DINER HAS a three-day celebration in store this weekend. On Friday, all checks will be 25 percent off, all day. It will be 25 percent off from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday as well. And, on Saturday, from 1-3 p.m., there will be free face painting for all children.
On Sunday from 1-3 p.m., there will be free balloon animals for all children and a classic car show from 3-10 p.m. Any pre-1989 make or model vehicle can participate in the show, and there will be prizes and awards given out.
Built 53 years ago, the diner has an interesting history, having been moved several times before settling into its current home in 1989.
What is today the Amwell Valley Diner and Restaurant was built in 1959 by the Swingle Diner Company in Middlesex. It was initially called the Tamarack Diner and was located on Main Street in Somerville for a number of years.. It was later sold and moved to the east side of Main Street, across from the Somerville courthouse and hotel.
”The interior at the time was Colonial in design,” said Aglaia, who supervises the plantings in and around the Amwell Valley Diner. “The Tamarack wood that was used in the interior design was named after its use in the support of the hull of whaling ships.”
After a long tenure in Somerville, the diner was put into storage for several years. It eventually was taken out of storage and brought to its current location by the Carom family, of Hopewell Township.
ENTER the Silverdis family.
For many years, Simon had been in business with his father and brothers at various locations in Somerset County operating diners, restaurants and even a night club, The Raritan Manor in Somerville.
By 1989, the brothers decided to go their separate ways — some staying in the restaurant business, others choosing other professions. Simon and his wife bought the Amwell Valley Diner.
This venture was to last only a few years, but “here we are 25 years later, still in the community that my father fell in love with back in 1989,” son John Siliverdis said.
Over the years, several remodelings have taken place, but “the attention to friendly service and a variety of home-cooked meals where no corners are cut is still is the primary focus,” said Aglaia. “Regular customers are our bread and butter. Without them, the diner wouldn’t exist.”
The Siliverdis family lived in Green Brook in Somerset County until 1993. After years of traveling back and forth to the diner for work, Simon decided he wanted less of a trip, so they moved to Delaware Township (Hunterdon County) and live there today.
John’s older brother, Gerry, and older sister, Andreana, have helped out through the years.
”Growing up we all chipped whenever possible and my sister still helps today,” John said.
WHAT IS A SWINGLE DINER? According to a website, Joseph Swingle opened a diner in Springfield in 1953. He “had broad experience in the diner business. For years, he was a salesman for Jerry O’Mahony Inc., a manufacturer of prefabricated diners.
Mr. Swingle ran his diner with family members for four years before opening Swingle’s Diner Manufacturing in Middlesex in August 1957.
According to Richard J.S. Gutman in “American Diners: Then and Now” (2000, JHU Press), “Swingle’s company built 147 units in 31 years, with most being used as diners but some structures being employed as bank branches. The company . . . also repaired and restored diners, which could be transported to the company’s yard and then returned to their original sites.”
According to a June 22, 1989, article in the Westfield Leader, Mr. Swingle retired from the manufacturing business shortly before his death in 1989, but not before building local landmarks including the White Star in South Plainfield, the Sunset Diner in Green Brook, the Scotchwood Diner in Scotch Plains and Johnny’s Diner in Somerville.

