What’s the First Restaurant Featured on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’? | Eater

"Featured as the filming location for the pilot episode of a major Food Network series, this Linden, New Jersey diner was where the show’s on-the-line style and host persona were born during a 17-day shoot. On the first day the then-new host—unfamiliar with diners—jumped into the kitchen, charmed staff and customers, and even flipped burning hash browns on the line, a performance that convinced the producer they had a hit. The production helped cement the program’s format, and after the episode aired owner Mike Giunta’s small restaurant saw a surge in business, prompting added tent seating and the launch of a lunch truck and catering service to meet demand." - Greg Morabito