You can expect to see black and white lino flooring, classic booths, and mementos of time every way you look, in the Happy Days inspired diner that’s coming to Tatura.
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: KELLY CARMODY
Inspired by the American television sitcom Happy Days, the owner of JV’s Paint & Panel, Jody Vincitorio, has decided to close the business and open a ’60s diner across the road, currently the Ross St Café.
Jody said he had been watching the café across the road for the past few years, and the time had come to take a leap of faith and follow a childhood dream.
“I have always loved diners and enjoyed watching Happy Days on TV while growing up,” Jody said.
“I’ve been collecting ’60s memorabilia for 30 years now and have finally found a place where all can enjoy it.
“It will be like stepping back in time and hopefully become a place where people will sit, enjoy a burger, listen to some tunes and relax while eating their food rather than ordering and getting straight back on the road.
“Life’s busy enough as it is. Take 10 minutes and enjoy it.”
A Kyabram business has brought JV’s Paint and Panel stock, and Jody will be closing the business doors at the end of December.
Over the Christmas and new year break, the Ross St Café is set to take on a transformation inside and out. The café will remain open, with all work taking place after hours and weekends.
You can expect to see black and white lino flooring, classic booths, and mementos of time every way you look.
You will also receive the same professional service from the current employees.
“The girls will be wearing the pink and white striped uniforms complete with white caps — I think they are excited,” Jody said.
“Sixties music will rock all day long inside and out, and there will be seating outside, too.
“I will be there helping and hopefully won’t get in the way. It’s a big change to what I’ve been doing for 40 years. But it’s a dream come true.”
Down the track, Jody hopes to open the diner to private bookings as a venue where people can come together for events and special occasions.
The diner’s name is yet to be confirmed, and Jody said residents will have to watch the space.
In the meantime, Jody wanted to thank his valued customers from JV’s Paint & Panel.
“I can’t do both, so the time has come to close up,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone for the ongoing support over the years.
“Come and visit me at the diner for a hot dog and a milkshake.”
The diner will be open Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch from 6am to 2pm.