Salem, NJ
Salem In the past year-and-a-half, the landmark Salem Oak Diner has had three owners. Christina Zervas purchased the diner last month from Robin and Bill Bell, and hopes she can solidify what has been a rocky period in the historic eatery in the City of Salem.

Open for about two weeks under the new ownership, Zervas described business as being brisk.

"We've been open for a few weeks now, and business has been good. Considering it's been closed for a while now, I'm happy with business," she said. "I've seen a lot of returning customers and regulars, so it should be good."

Zervas, a native of Cape May Court House and sole owner of the Salem Oak Diner, has been in the diner business for the past 25 years. She sold her previous diner, the extremely popular Court House Diner & Family Restaurant, last month to focus solely on her new venture here in Salem.

Zervas purchased the diner from the Bells, who owned the establishment for about a year after purchasing the diner from longtime owners Bill and Barbara McAllister.

The McAllister family owned and operated diner opened its doors to the Salem public in 1955. When Robert McAllister Sr. decided to retire in 1967, he looked no further then his son, Bob, and sold the diner to him to keep the business in the family.

Bob and his wife, Barbara, worked side by side in the diner for 39 years until their retirement last summer. When none of their children expressed interest in taking over the family business, the McAllisters sold the diner to the Bells.

Zervas has returned the diner to standard hours of operations, keeping the diner open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week.

Among other changes, Zervas said she's brought in an entire new staff to work the establishment, including new cooks and waitresses. New appliances, including a broiler and frier, will offer patrons more food choices from a large new menu, she said.

The diner was built in the 1950s and is a classic stainless steel and chrome structure that stands on the corner of West Broadway and Oak Street.

The classic interior of the diner, she said, will remain the same.

Zervas said she's been impressed with the Salem community and has found it to be very welcoming.

"So far, it's really been nice. The people have been great," she said. "I've found our customers and the people of this community have been very supportive."

She enjoys the community, she said, but has no future plans to relocate. Her daughter enjoys going to school in Cape May Court House, and she will continue to make the hour-and-a-half commute each day.

"I'm just glad that I'm here ..." she said. "I'm here and I'm prepared to do my best for everyone in the community."

Originally published online here: http://www.nj.com/news/sunbeam/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1183349448220510.xml&coll=9