Silver Spring’s beloved Tastee Diner abruptly closed after more than eighty years of service.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, the 24-hour diner ended service and closed its doors, it was first reported by DCist.
D.C. developer Roadside Development purchased the diner’s property, which it will use alongside the adjacent lot it purchased in the summer of 2022 to create a mixed-use development.
The local-loved diner has been a community staple for over 80 years, having opened in 1935. During its time serving up delicious diner fare to local patrons, Tastee Diner was named a historic landmark in Montgomery County in 1994 and moved from its original location to its current quarters a block away in 2000 to make space for the Discovery Communications headquarters.
The sudden closing took patrons and the community by surprise. Owner Gene Wilkes lamented the closure but cited medical issues leading him to sell the property.
“Due to personal medical reasons, I’ve decided to sell the property to Roadside. I have truly enjoyed getting to know their team, and I take comfort in knowing that the site will be in the hands of people who build spectacular projects, understand the community, and respect everything I have put into Tastee Diner,” Wilkes told DCist. “I need to spend more time focusing on my personal life and could no longer operate in this location, but I am elated that the original dining car will be incorporated into the new design. I have full faith in Roadside, and I am confident they will find a creative way to incorporate or repurpose the original dining car.”
Two additional Tastee Diners located in Laurel and Bethesda, respectively, will remain open.