Then and Now
 Astor Diner
 
The Astor Diner at 709 Sumneytown Pike. Picture is from a postcard printed in the 1970s.
 
The Park Place Diner in 2015.
Renovated by Bill Evans of West Point Park fame, it has a West Point Park theme.
 
Inside the Park Place Diner are some items and photographs from West Point Park.
The diner serves what could be called traditional diner fare, at good prices.
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The Park Place Diner has retained the in-house bakery and bar area.
 
 
 
 
Interior photos taken in February of 2016.
 
Some history of the diner:
Click on post card for a larger view (will open in new window or tab.)
 

The Astor Diner was built in 1970 and remained in business for 35 years. It closed in 2005 when the owner, Peter Apessos, sold it to Steve, Christopher, Paul and Peter Leunes. After two years of extensive renovations it reopened as the Astor Place on December 17, 2007.

While the Astor Diner was attractive to families and seniors, the Astor Place attempted to draw a younger crowd with a large bar area, outdoor patio and trendy menu items. According to Steve Leunes, they didn't want to serve "the things your grandparents would eat." They wanted to be "more like the Cheesecake Factory but with breakfast."

They were not completely successful. Old patrons of the Astor Diner were disappointed with the menu and the prices. It didn't help that a long established bar and restaurant named the Sumney was directly across the street.

 
In 2008, after only eight months, the name was changed to "Clubhouse Too" and some of the old menu items returned.
 
The Clubhouse Too closed in 2012, partially due to Sumneytown Pike being closed for several years during road construction and replacement of the train trestle. This photo was taken in July of 2010 from the train tracks. The diner can be seen on the left.

 
After the Clubhouse Too closed, it reopened briefly as the Pied Piper II in 2013. It didn't last long before it also closed.

 
The Park Place Diner, which opened in 2015, is doing a very well. Try the 1/2 chicken with stuffing.
 
2019. After the death of Bill Evans the diner is closed and for sale for $1,500,000.