WJLA-TV | May 20, 2009

It's not a sight you see every day: a 1940s-era diner rolling down Bladensburg Road.

The piece of Americana rolled into town from upstate New York -- Avoca, to be specific -- on its ten-hour journey to its new home in the Trinidad section of Northeast Washington.

"There's no place around here that's like that," remarked Terry Jackson.

The former Silk City Diner was purchased on E-Bay in March for $20,000. The outside needs a little TLC, but inside it's in top shape and even came with plates, silverware and salt and pepper shakers.

The owners say they wanted to create something special in a neighborhood that has had more than its share of crime problems, even prompting police to set up checkpoints in Trinidad last summer.

As owner Patrick Clay puts it, "We're working to have a little neighborhood place where people can eat like family, get to know each other and have a cup of coffee before they go to work."

You'd think Mrs. K's Carry Out across the street wouldn't like new competition on the block, but owner Antoine Johnson welcomes it.

"I think it's a great thing to have an eatery that can make a difference in the community," Johnson said. "Something different, something unique, something to be able to serve the people."

Neighbors watched as the massive chrome wrapped structure waited to be moved onto its foundation. Some seeing the new business as an opportunity for employment.

"Do you need any waitresses?" asked one woman.

Others are thrilled for new life in a community few consider investing in.

"We need these sort of energetic activities," said Margaret Holwill, who lives in the area. "We don't want staid restaurants and staid activities -- and people LOVE diners!!!!"

The greasy spoon will be re-christened the Capital City Diner. Clay hopes to have it up and running by the end of July or early August at the latest.

Follow the link for video of the move...

Originally published online here: http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0509/624592.html