First Phase of Penn Yan Diner Rebuild Underway

The Penn Yan Diner building is undergoing repairs, with plywood covering windows, tools, and caution tape visible.
The Penn Yan Diner is shown undergoing repairs and reconstruction, with tools and caution tape visible outside the building.

Just weeks after it was heavily damaged by fire, a nearly 100-year-old local eatery is planning a comeback.

The owners of the Penn Yan Diner posted on their Facebook page they have been approved to start with the first phase of the diner rebuild. A fire broke out at the diner’s East Elm Street location just after midnight on May 22nd bringing firefighters from all over the county to put out the blaze. The diner is owned by Anna Sweet, Nate Salpeter, Alicia Avellandeda, and Cameron Mills.

A GoFundMe page that started in the days following the fire is still active and has raised more than $12,000.

Stay Informed: Finger Lakes news, delivered to your inbox every morning.