The Empire Diner closed yesterday and today was the final party and farewell. Our friend, Michael Hallenbeck worked there for way too many years to count. It was nice today, sitting in the sun and hearing about those golden years of this Tenth Avenue hot-spot. Michael is a photographer too and was snapping shots as well as showing small albums of the good old days before Chelsea got crowded.
The owners of the Coffee Shop in Union Square have bought the place so we all wonder what it will retain of one of our favorite eatery's pluses.
I like this photo that Zachary took because of how people look in their dark glasses. Especially the white haired guy in the window. It's old-timey feel is cool and makes me wonder what the sidewalk cafe tables looked like in the 1970's.
Thirty-four years of serving burgers and coffee is something to celebrate I think. I heard years ago that tips were pooled at the Empire and know that detail is why the place is so memorable. To wait tables is an art-form and to collectively get people coming back is the key. The whole crew of waiters and waitresses at the place will undeniably be linked to this period in my life.
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