Court Street Diner

      In the area of Athens, Ohio there is a sense of artistic spark that exists on Court Street,  the heart and beating soul of Ohio University. On any given day, this brick paved street can be filled with the busy scurrying students, that are running their errands between their hectic schedule of classes. These businesses provides a power boost during the week, caffeine is the diet studying student that has pulled a week full of all-nighters. Indeed coffee is a source of energy for students and these places also serve as a major stress reliever, giving them time to just breathe and communicate with friends. When there is time to take a break from the academics that have called many to the university, the coffeehouses that are scattered around the campus give a small getaway from the stressful life of a college kid.

      Such a location, is important to not only students but also the townspeople. Court Street Diner has  been a vital and authentic cultural part of the Ohio University and Athens community since 1997. This establishment has a personality of itself, giving a funky turn to a street that can be seen as drab during the week. This 1950's and 1960's decorated coffee house serves two purposes to their customers: a place to dine and an experience that will not be present at other coffee shops. 

From the outside, the restaurant is adorned with a plaque honoring the Berry Hotel owned by Cornelius Berry, that once stood in its  place. This plaque sets the historical aspect that the restaurant adds to the city. By preserving what once stood in it's place, the diner is helping the city and University remember the accomplishments that the city and university shares; bringing the rift between the town people and the students together. Decorated resemble a malt-shop once the costumer has walked in. There is a time machine aurora, and you have magically appeared in 1950. The walls are covered in records and the restaurant even contains a jukebox (which is now modernized with a computer screen). With the modern twist to such a historical and vibrant time period Court Street Diner has kept this time period alive in Athens, Ohio.

      The restaurant attracts all type of customers from students, locals, and even some of the professionals that are employed at the University. When I went to observe the diner and to take pictures of the environment inside, there were so many types of different people that were enjoying meals here. One woman in particular, named Selma, that offered to help me take my pictures, she was a doctor that was waiting for her long time friend, whom was professor. This one coffee shop, brings together  all types of people from all different walks of life. Usually more students dine on the weekends with either a large group or if their on a date. With the type of dining experience that Court Street Diner offers, its a family friendly restaurant that welcomes all types of people. 

      This establishment keeps the campus and the city alive, allowing a free and creative environment for everyone. Court Street would be incomplete without this diner in such a modern era. The street overall is filled with fast food restaurants and lacks the independence and doesn't provide the city with it's own small business. Places such as Chipotle, Wendy's and Jimmy John's are chain restaurants that yes provide employment but do not put an initial profit back into the city like Court Street Diner does. Court Street Diner, is a finical, cultural and communication center of the city and being so is enriching the city in very unique ways.