The Manheim Diner in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, has embraced modern dining trends while preserving its nostalgic charm. Known for its retro aesthetic, the diner has introduced an updated menu featuring items like Cowboy Roast Beef and a selection of Acai and Pitaya bowls. This transformation seeks to cater to a younger clientele while maintaining its classic diner roots.
Inside, the ambiance has shifted significantly. The diner, which has remained largely unchanged for the last 16 years, now boasts a menu displayed on a large digital monitor, replacing traditional white plates with pastel-colored china. Diners can enjoy a blend of contemporary music, including hits by the Eagles and The Bee Gees, alongside classic tunes from Elvis Presley and Fats Domino.
Madeline “Maddie” Frew, a key figure in this transformation, believes the diner can evolve without losing its identity. “We’re just undergoing a little bit of a shift from hard-core Fifties,” she stated, emphasizing that the diner will always retain its nostalgic character.
The changes at the Manheim Diner reflect broader trends in the restaurant industry, where establishments are adapting to rising food costs, increased demand for take-out services, and shifting preferences among younger consumers. Several diners, such as the family-owned Beacon Diner in Hometown, which has been in business for 85 years, have recently been put up for sale. Similarly, Lewie’s Diner in Frackville has closed permanently, while the Wooden Keg, an Irish pub in St. Clair, is undergoing renovations to refocus its business model.
Maddie Frew, who previously worked at Quandel Construction Group, decided to join the family business, a move she had once vowed against. With a competitive spirit honed from her track and field days at Pine Grove High School and Penn State University, she has brought a fresh perspective to the diner. Her father, Dave Frew, co-owner of the diner along with his brother Mark, has gradually recognized her vision. “I never thought I’d see 85-year-old guys with an Acai bowl in front of them,” he remarked, noting the shift in customer preferences.
The menu now includes traditional diner staples like Meatloaf and Salisbury steak, with prices ranging from $7.99 to $9.99 for meals that include a vegetable. A new, separate mini menu appeals to younger patrons, featuring items such as Boba Tea, cold brews with sweet cream foam, and yogurt parfaits.
Terri Robertson, the diner manager with 21 years of experience in the Frew family restaurants, expressed optimism about the changes. “They love the new look, the menu, everything right down to the music,” she said, acknowledging the natural apprehension that comes with change. Dave Frew added that while change carries risks, so does stagnation. “The challenge is in balancing the two,” he noted.
This evolution at the Manheim Diner highlights the importance of adapting to customer demands in a competitive market. As the diner looks to the future, it aims to blend its rich history with contemporary dining trends, ensuring it remains a beloved destination on Route 61.
