About Us
Joe Morozin Sr. opened his very first eatery
when he was sixteen years old. The road was paved with hard work,
dedication and perseverance. It led from the GI Inn to White Way to the
Torresdale Diner to The Dining Car. The Torresdale Diner was originally
located at 8828 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia from 1960 to 1980. In
1979 its name changed to The Dining Car.
The "new" Dining Car was constructed on-site in New Jersey and trucked
to its current location at 8826 Frankford Avenue in 1980. Not wanting
to interrupt service to its customers, both diners were actually
operating at the same time for a short while. Some customers even
picked up there coffee cups from the old diner and walked over to the
new diner to sit and finish up there. Once all of the patrons were
served, the "old” diner was closed.
Since that time, the "new" diner has been operating 24 hours, 7 days a
week. Not only was the building new, the diner's approach to food was
also taking The Dining Car to its next logical evolution - from
convenience restaurant to destination restaurant offering a full array
of American/Continental cuisine. His facility also offers a full
service bakery.
The key to continuing success or The Dining Car's operation is
family-based. Joe Morozin's children oversee all daily operations of
the business. Daughter Judy graduated from Penn State University with a
degree in restaurant management and is responsible for the training of
all front-of-the-house personnel. Joe Jr., also a Penn State grad,
oversees all back-of-the-house functions. Nancy Morozin, a Moore
College of Art & Design graduate and gifted jewelry designer and
silversmith, is the general manager.
The concept of "family" has trickled down to the staff. The Dining Car boasts one of the most experienced staffs
in the business, with several key employees working 25 years or longer.
This helps reinforce The Dining Car's family values. The customers are
also treated like, and considered part of, The Dining Car family. Nancy
Morozin, a board member of The Greater Philadelphia Restaurant and
Purveyors Association, in cooperation with Nazareth Hospital, has
created The Dining Car's "Heartfare" program. This section of the menu
is dedicated to health-conscious guests and for those with specific
dietary needs. Continuing the family's culinary tradition, Ms. Morozin
added a very successful Market and Bakery
to the front of the diner in 1988. The family is very generous with
their time and expertise; several other neo-diner operators have
learned the trade at The Dining Car.
Our Design & Decor
Exterior: The
Dining Car was built by The Swingle Diner Co. Its prominent features
include black enamel, stainless steel, glass block and neon accents. As
you approach its rolled top stainless steel roof and long sleek black
body, you can almost find yourself looking for the rest of the train.
Interior: Silver and black are the
Dining Car's signature colors. Window treatments display sandblasted
Art Deco glass in sunburst design. The art glass mirrors are beveled
and hand-set. Although The Dining Car's interior is somewhat upscale
compared to its predecessors, you can still get the feel of a bustling
atmosphere serving good food at honest prices to working America.
Our Cuisine
The Dining Car has always been known for its
authentic diner fare. However, it has its own personal touch on
American/Continental cuisine. Executive Chef Lawrence Thum, a Dining
Car veteran since 1975, constantly adapts the daily blackboard specials
for freshness and variety. Chef Thum started out as a dishwasher in
high school working his way through all facets of the diner until
reaching the position of head chef. His knowledge of the front and back
of the house is invaluable. His assistant Chef Robert High, another
valued employee since 1975, is a third generation member of the Dining
Car family. Chef Thum is the culinary architect of the Diner's totally
scratch kitchen. He even makes his own maple syrup.
Our Community
The community of Northeast Philadelphia is
wonderfully diverse. The Dining Car has enjoyed an ongoing relationship
with its community by actively participating with local schools,
churches, hospitals, police districts and various neighborhood
associations. The Dining Car also services the community another way -
it remains one of the few area diners open 24 hours a day; only
Christmas closes The Dining Car!
Restaurant Information
Reservations not required
Entree range: Range varies from breakfast, lunch and dinner, $2.00 - $15.20
Seating: 12 counter seats - 50 booths and tables, general seating accommodates 260
Bar: Full service bar offering cocktails, champagnes, wines and coffee specialties
Special Appointments:
• Special occasion and event menus available
• Art Deco designed interior
• Full bakery / Wedding cakes / Dietetics
• Catering / Party trays
• Take-out service
• Ample free parking
• Wheelchair accessible
• Special dietary and health requests honored
The Dining Car & Market
8826 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA. 19136 215.338.5113
Open 24 hours daily, 7 days a week (Closed on Christmas)
Click here for a map to The Dining Car
Contact Personnel:
Nancy Morozin 215-338-5113
Joseph Morozin Jr. 215-338-5113
