Glens Falls Business Journal photo
On July 15, Peter’s Diner re-opened after a two-month hiatus. The iconic Glens Falls business has been closed while the lead cook, Nia Miller, took time off to recuperate from a knee replacement.
Peter’s Diner was originally opened in 1961 by Peter Demas and his wife, Helen. It was the culmination of a dream for Peter. He was a Greek immigrant and proud US Navy veteran. The 2024 closure was the longest in the diner’s history. Helen still shows up for work every day as she has done for the past 63 years.
“This is the longest I have not worked”, said Helen. “While I was able to spend time in my garden, I have to get back to our customers.”
Over the past two years, the diner has upgraded its counters, flooring and mechanicals. Now it was necessary to repair the knee of Nia Miller. Nia is Peter’s daughter in this all-family business.
There were many days when customers would see her grimace as she worked to prepare and serve their meals.
Nia said, “I went as long as I could on that knee. Eventually the pain got to be unbearable. It was time.”
The surgery was more complicated than expected. Nia was not able to even bend her knee for over five weeks. Then physical therapy started. Now she is ready to return to making breakfast, lunch and full meals for her customers.
“I am bored stiff, and really miss seeing all of my customers. I just hope I remember how to cook,” she added, with a laugh.
The diner is popular with a regular crowd. Some of them eat there twice a day beginning, at 5:00 a.m.. It’s also popular with visitors to the region. There are annual visits by out-of-town guests who consider this a “must re-visit” site. Every once in a while, they are surprised by the cash-only policy. They are pointed to the Glens Falls National ATM down the street.
When customers arrive, they are greeted with a menu that exists only on the wall. There are always two or three homemade soups and a special of the day.
“We’re an old world dinner. Good food prepared to order at reasonable prices,” said Nia. “We couldn’t stay open while I recuperated. No one wants a six-day 11-hour schedule. But I love it.”
Peter’s Diner is located at 32 South Street in Glens Falls. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and 5:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.