Owner of Rochester’s Highland Park Diner Files Chapter 11

7/13/2008 9:55:47 PM #

Back during the winter (2008),  I spent several days in Rochester on business. I had various meals at the Highland Park Diner at least 4 times. I noticed that, with one exception, they were not very busy and were out of some menu items. I wondered then what was up. Observing what I did, I guess the filing noted here does not especially surprise me.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Wally |

7/13/2008 10:10:04 PM #

I OWN THE DINER AND AM WRITING TO CLEAR THE AIR. THE CHAPTER 11 FILING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HIGHLAND PARK DINER. IN SEPTEMBER OF '06 WE OPENED A SECON LOCATION IN A SUBURB OF ROCHESTER. WE OPENED WITH THE AGREEMENT OF A 10 YEAR LEASE, AND SPENT ALOT OF MONEY FIXING THE PLACE UP. AFTER 6 MOS. THE LANDLORD OF THE PLAZA DECIDED TO LET THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY BUILD A RESTAURANT RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE PLAZA AND CUT OUR BUSINESS BY HALF. I HAD SIGNED A PERSONAL GUARANTE AND BY THE ADVICE OF MY ATTORNEY HAD TO FILE CHAPTER 11 TO PROTECT MY ASSETS WHICH INCLUDE THE HIGHLAND PARK DINER. IT'S VERY FUNNY THAT EVERYONE WANTS TO ASSUME THE WORST FOR PEOPLE. SO I'M WRITTING TO CLEAR THE AIR FOR EVERYONE. I'VE OWNED THE DINER FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS ABD HAVE NO PLANS GOING ANYWHERE!!! ABD OR THE COMMENT BEFORE, TELL ME A RESTAURANT THAT'S BUSY ALL THE TIME IN THE DEAD OF WINTER IN ROCHESTER?

Van Zissis |

7/13/2008 11:25:48 PM #

Van, we love the Highland.  Glad to hear it's not going anywhere.

Bruce Bilmes & Sue Boyle |

7/14/2008 8:41:58 AM #

I am glad to hear the the Highland Park Diner isn't going anywhere. A trip to Rochester wouldn't be complete without at least one meal eaten there.

I guess it just goes to show how news reporting often doesn't tell the whole story.

Wally |

12/27/2008 4:11:20 PM #

My husband and I are huge fans of weekend brunch at the HPD! I love the berry-stuffed french toast or the eggs benedict! The wait staff is long-term and always friendly. HPD is a gem in the Wedge! Thank you for keeping it going, Van!

Stephany |

2/3/2009 10:08:54 AM #

My family (including our 5 & 1/2 year old daughter)and I will be visiting Rochester for the first time for the Valentine's Day Weekend 2009.  I think I saw this diner on a show on the Food Network - could that be true?  We're staying at the Hyatt downtown and would like to know if this is within a reasonble driving distance.  Any comments or answers would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Glenn.

Glenn White |

2/27/2009 2:29:56 PM #

Glen - it's very easy to get to the Highland Park Diner from the Hyatt Hotel.  It's less than a 10 minute drive once you get out of the ramp garage.  And it's worth that 10 minutes for sure!

Steve |

2/27/2009 2:32:16 PM #

And, I see that I missed the part about Valentines Day weekend so I'm assuming you found it OK or changed your mind.  Oops!

Steve |