Joe's Diner closes but plans comeback

Late-night takeaway bar Joe's Diner has closed but the owner says it is only for a short time.

The Daily Post has been told staff at the Amohau St establishment told patrons on Saturday night it was closing and they no longer had jobs, but owner Jenny MacPherson said yesterday it was only closing for two or three weeks.

She said Joe's Diner was going to open under new management.

A member of the public, who didn't want to be named, contacted The Daily Post this week and said staff members had told her and other patrons on Saturday night it was their last night because the lease had run out on the business.

"We got a photo with the staff ... everyone was really upset. Joe's Diner is an icon and that is the place you went to after your night out. You knew you could get a good meal there."

She said she would miss the steak and egg sandwich with mushrooms the most.

The takeaway bar has been operating for nearly 40 years.

Mrs MacPherson and her then husband, Joe Horvath, started with a pie cart in Amohau St in 1966. Ten years later they were offered a space across the street where the business remains.

In the 1980s, the couple separated and Ms MacPherson has owned Joe's Diner since then.

Mr Horvath now lives in Australia.