Pine Bush has enjoyed having its own diner through the years. Long time residents may remember the days of the Village Diner on Main Street or the Pine Bush Diner before that, but for the last 18 years, it has been the Cup and Saucer Diner on Boniface Drive under the ownership of Dino Mavros. As of Sunday, September 15, Carlos Morales has taken ownership of the business and will be renaming it, Diamond Diner.

Morales has been the owner of Frank’s Pizza in Middletown for the past 18 years and was happily behind the counter working when approached about being interviewed for this story.

Patrons called out to him by name with greetings and thanks for a delicious meal. Being the owner of seven restaurants, Morales is quite familiar with all aspects of the business, including knowing it is critical to have pleased customers, as well as an experienced team.

“In every business I have, I want my customers to be happy,” he said. “We work hard to make things happen, and I have good people around me.”

One of those trusted and valued employees is Carlos Aguirres who will be overseeing operations at Diamond Diner. Morales and Aguirres will continue to grow the staff at Diamond Diner while many familiar faces will remain. It is also likely one of Morales’ five children will be working onsite.

Asked what changes he is going to undertake first, Morales answered, “I may make some changes to the dinner menu, but I’m not going to make any changes to the prices. I will probably add some specials, and of course, we will offer discounts for Veterans and Senior Citizens.”

Additionally, repairs were already being completed outside to the handicap ramp as well as the stairs, and for the near future, Morales has an electronic rendering of the building with a new awning and updated signage which will be in place before long. The new liquor license may take a few months to be issued and a new social media account is coming soon.

Signs in front of the building announce the new ownership and notices on the doors state business hours as 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Patrons can expect to order from the full menu including many classic dishes. What is Morales’ favorite diner order? “Oh wow,” he smiled at the thought, “I love a ham and cheese omelet or Taylor ham, egg and cheese on a roll.”