Wednesday, February 6, 2008

This is not "Good-bye"

By now you've heard the Vale Rio Diner will close it's doors on February 24, 2007.

After 60 years at the Vale's location on the corner of Bridge Street and Nutt Road (aka) Rt. 23, a Walgreen's will replace the familiar icon. The Fountain Inn next door will apparently house a Starbuck's.

This is sad news for those of us who have lived in Phoenixville all our lives and have seen many changes to our community, some progressive but not all of them good.

Wounded soldiers and hurried secretaries, amorous couples and hungry families all walked through the same doorway, had a cup of coffee or ate a good meal, and passed into history. One can only imagine the range of all the conversations, the deals made, and promises broken behind that stainless steel skin. What ghosts will remain once the doors close?

I stopped by the Vale Rio today, and while I was there I made reservations for dinner for some members of my family and me on closing day. I want to line my family up outside and take a picture so on some distant day in the future my grandchildren can point to their image and prove they were one of the last diners.

I'm sure my children will remember, as I do, visiting the Vale after Saturday matinees at the Colonial Theater for hot chocolate or cokes, and french fries with gravy. They'll remember, also, the busy times when we knew that a just a few blocks away was a guarantee we wouldn't go hungry. There are some things in life you just come to expect to be there when it's needed or wanted. That will change soon!

I am encouraged by the possibility that the Vale Rio will relocate within the borough and I know my family and I will be among the first to welcome a grand re-opening.

The days are ticking down to the 24th, so if you haven't visited the Vale Rio diner in awhile, stop by, grab a booth or a stool, take a look around, and raise your glass of Schuylkill punch to the end of an era.

*******

The Vale Rio is sure to be busy these last few weeks! Call for reservations at 610-933-3988 and tell them Karen sent you! :)

10 comments:

Blogwalter said...

"Wounded soldiers and hurried secretaries, amorous couples and hungry families all walked through the same doorway, had a cup of coffee or ate a good meal, and passed into history. One can only imagine the range of all the conversations, the deals made, and promises broken behind that stainless steel skin. What ghosts will remain once the doors close?"

With a paragraph like that, is a short story close behind? Or, maybe a novel?

Karen said...

From here I can just about see that twinkle in your eyes, Blogwalter, and hear your hearty chuckle!

You gave me a good giggle with that remark, too!

Hey, I just might surprise you with what I want to be when I finally do grow up! ;)

Anonymous said...

Been going to the Val for almost 15 years, and I've never seen you. NOW you lament the loss of this Phoenixville gem. What a farce - don't pretend you care.

Karen said...

Ahhh, poster, 8:21 a.m., I suspect you may not realize the depth of the connection or memories made at the Vale Rio over a lifetime regardless of the number of recent visits.

Hurry in for a nice cup of coffee and a donut at the counter.

It's a great way to chase off morning grumpies.

Anonymous said...

You can get a decent low cost breakfast at Irish Joes on Bridge St until the Val relocates and re-opens for business. Irish Joe's coffee is good and cheaper than Starbucks, and you can add an omellette or pancakes and STILL spend less than in a Starbucks.

Anonymous said...

It's a sad day for Phoenixville when another unique business closes to make way for cookie cutter stores. The Vale Rio is one of my favorite places in Phoenixville, because you won't find it ANYWHERE else...the Vale Rio is REAL PHOENIXVILLE...I wouldn't be caught dead eating a crepe...

Anonymous said...

Boy, I will REALLY miss the Val, but the crepe place is really good...and it's far from cookie-cutter. Can't really compare the two - they are just very different places to eat.

Anonymous said...

I really hope that the rumor I've heard of Puleo & co-owners of already selling the Val to an buyer in California is untrue.
I call on any neighbors of his to keep an eye on the structure while it sits in his parking lot. Technically, he can do whatever he wants to do (he has a bad habit of this with total disregard to the community) and it's much easier to apologize afterwards than to ask permission.

Anonymous said...

Sorry the Diner is Gone Here are Pictures of the Move

http://www.tmarkfink.com/Dinner/index.html

Anonymous said...

Here is a Trip make by the Diner

http://www.tmarkfink.com/Dinner/index.html