Our Story
Still Serving Sass, Scrambled Eggs, and American History Since 1926
Some places call themselves a “legend.” We just show up, crack some eggs, sling some sass, and let history speak for itself.
Franks Diner isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a living, breathing piece of Kenosha’s soul. Since the first plate hit the counter in 1926, we’ve been filling bellies, flipping pancakes, and fueling conversations — one hot cup of coffee at a time. Pull up a stool and let us tell you how it all started.
Where It All Began
Built by Hand. Hauled by Horses.
Fueled by Coffee.
Franks Diner was born in 1926, built by the Jerry O’Mahony Company — one of America’s original diner manufacturers out of Bayonne, New Jersey.
After a short ride by rail and a very long haul by six horses, this lunch-car-style diner rolled into downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Locals watched in amazement as the original structure was hauled into place at 508 58th Street, where it still stands today.
Back then, diners were a new American phenomenon: small, affordable, lively.
Franks fit right in — and quickly became the place where early risers, night owls, and everyone in between rubbed elbows over scratch-made breakfasts and strong, black coffee.
The Frank Family Era
One Family. Seventy-Five Years of Tradition.
The Frank family didn’t just lend their name to the diner — they lived it.
From the first day in 1926 through 2001, the Franks ran the show with hard work, a sharp sense of humor, and a deep respect for anyone willing to belly up and order a plate of grub.
Through the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, World Wars, and every up and down in between, Franks stayed open, stayed loyal, and stayed legendary.
Locals grew up at Franks — and so did their kids, and their kids’ kids.
It wasn’t unusual to see three generations sharing the same booth, swapping stories, and arguing over who got the last pancake.
A New Chapter — Same Great Attitude
New Owners. Same Sass.
In 2001, longtime fans Chris Schwartz, Lynn Groleau, and Kris Derwae took over, determined to keep Franks Diner true to its roots.
In 2010, Julie Rittmiller and Kevin Ervin bought Franks — and vowed to preserve the spirit, history, and heart that made it a Kenosha institution.
Today, Franks Diner is one of the oldest continually operating diners in America — and still proudly independent.
We may have added a few tweaks (more seating, expanded specials, a little more elbow room), but the soul of the place is untouched: same counter, same cheeky attitude, same mountain-sized Garbage Plates.
Franks on the Map
From Local Legend to National Treasure
Franks has been featured coast-to-coast — and not just by hungry travelers.
We’ve been lucky enough to earn a little fame along the way:
Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
(original episode and 2021 revisit on Triple D Nation)
The New York Times and Wall Street Journal coverage
Thrillist
“One of the 21 Best Diners in America”
Tasting Table
“15 Best Diners in the Country”
LoveFood/iHeartRadio
“Best Diner for Breakfast in Wisconsin”
CBS 58, TMJ4, Travel Wisconsin
and many more
When Guy Fieri called our Garbage Plate “famous” on national TV, we knew it wasn’t just hometown pride anymore.
Daniel Travanti
Celebrities Love Franks Too
We don’t chase celebrities — they find us.
Over the decades, plenty of famous faces have squeezed into our booths and propped their elbows on our counter:
The Three Stooges
Lawrence Welk
Bela Lugosi
Duke Ellington
Liberace
Mark Ruffalo (Kenosha’s own)
Ron Magers
Tom Skilling
Members of The Monkees, Badfinger, and The Buckinghams
NFL players, coaches, and beyond
No fancy velvet ropes. No VIP rooms. Just coffee, garbage plates, and good old-fashioned Kenosha hospitality.
Topher Grace
What Makes Franks Different
Historic Railcar. Historic Portions.
Historic Sass.
Franks Diner isn’t just old — it’s authentic.
- Original 1926 railcar structure (still the core of our dining space)
- Hand-grilled fresh bread — made daily from scratch
- Counter seating, booth seating, and lots of friendly wisecracks
- Award-winning Garbage Plates — and hearty, no-holds-barred breakfasts
- Still owned and operated by locals who care about Kenosha
We’re not retro because it’s trendy. We’re retro because we never stopped being real.
Built to Last
Almost a Century Later — Still Cookin’
Through good times, tough times, and wild times, Franks Diner has kept the grill hot and the coffee pouring.
We’ve been called “Wisconsin’s Oldest Running Diner.”
We’ve been honored as a historic landmark.
But the truth is simple:
We’re still here because you keep showing up hungry, smiling, and ready for a little bit of sass with your bacon.
And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
