History. A crude precursor of the diner was created in 1872 by Walter Scott, who sold food out of a horse-pulled wagon to employees of the Providence Journal, in Providence, Rhode Island. Scott's diner can be considered the first diner with walk-up service, as it had windows on each side of the wagon.

There are plenty of diners around still.

While diners might most be closely associated with the '50s, the '70s saw a return to the American diner. Though the classic eateries had long been staples of the American dining scene, they faced stiff competition from the rise of the fast food chain.

Entering into the 1980s, the classic diner was no longer just a place to eat: it was a cultural institution. By this point in time, diners across the country were being recognised for their special historical significance.