One of Bay Shore’s most frequented spots, Peter Pan Diner, has officially reopened after repairing the damages caused by a fire that devastated the diner in 2024. Serving the community since 1959, the diner is a landmark known for its hearty meals and welcoming atmosphere.
After nearly two years, loyal customers were eager to return.
“I really come here for the pastrami. I haven’t had it in two years, so ever since this place closed I haven’t had a better pastrami. Glad it reopened,” said longtime patron Mike Sessa. “I used to come all the time, maybe once a week.”
The diner’s owners, Peter and Angela Lentzeres, reflected on the challenges of reopening after such a long closure.
“Well, one of the biggest challenges was definitely dealing with the insurance company,” Angela said. “It took awhile for them to go through. I mean, it did eventually go through, but it took a long time, around 20 months. But we knew since the beginning we wanted to reopen for the community.”
Peter Lentzeres added, “The firemen and the neighbors, they’ve been so good to us, for 70 years.”
Lentzeres emphasized how much the diner means to the community.
“The community and the generations of families, and also the support from the community. I mean, we’re serving three, four generations here. Many memories and stories were made here,” said Lentzeres.
Lentzeres also shared his personal hope for the diner’s future, “I hope that I’m worthy for this community, and I’m good enough for this community. I want to be the best I can and make sure everyone is happy when they leave. I’m flattered and grateful for this.”
Angela Lentzeres highlighted their goals moving forward as well, “We definitely want to run the diner more efficiently and more professionally.”
Staff members also expressed their excitement about the reopening. Hostess Francisco Venturo, a 2019 Bay Shore alumni, shared, “It’s a cool spot. I saw the sign, walked in, and Peter hired me. For the most part, it’s been positive, just a lot of an older crowd who have been coming here for a while. The best thing about working here is definitely the food. It’s delicious.”
With a new look and updated menu, Peter Pan Diner retains what has kept customers coming back for decades.
“We just love this community,” Peter Lentzeres said. “It’s been here with family since 1959, and all of our children, nieces and nephews have worked here.”
Customers continue to return not just for the food, but for the sense of community that has made Peter Pan Diner a memorable place in Bay Shore for decades.
