A peek at the World’s Smallest Diner in Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. ( WETM ) – If you’ve ever driven through Watkins Glen, you’ve probably seen the World’s Smallest Diner. But, what is it and how long has it been here?

83-year-old Gerry Collins has run the diner for the past ten years.

“Everybody’s gotta do what they enjoy. There’s no sense in just sitting around because you’re old,” said World’s Smallest Diner Owner Gerry Collins.

The diner is 32 square feet, smaller than most people’s closets. It’s only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“Our basic specialty is the Coney Island Hot Dog. That’s meat sauce, raw onion and mustard and a three dollar cheeseburger, cooked onions and pickles,” said Collins.

The diner used to have indoor seating, but no longer does because of the hot temperatures.

“It just gets too hot this time of year, it’s like 120 in there. It’s my weight loss program, but customers don’t like it that hot,” said Collins.

He decided to open up in Watkins Glen because of how popular the area is in the summertime.

“There’s no place within a fifty mile radius that has the kind of foot traffic, sidewalk traffic and vehicle traffic that this little town has,” said Collins.

Tens of customers came by to take pictures and try out those famous Coney Island Hot Dogs. But, are they any good?

“I got the old fashioned. It’s got sauerkraut, mustard, and onion on it. It’s all, it’s a good combination I think. It all brings the hot dog together,” said Syracuse Native April Williams

“I got the meat sauce and I think it’s really good. it’s pretty creative, like i noticed his menu has a lot of different recipes i guess or different things,” said Syracuse Native Amy Williams.

The diner is expected to have a little expansion in the coming years, including air conditioned indoor seating and the World’s Smallest Dancefloor.

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