Thread: Mearle's Diner????

So everyday I drive by this closed down bitchin place. It would bad ass to buy it and fix up....Dont you think? Whats the story Visalians?? Was this spot ever up and running?

Sure was, used to go there all the time. Not sure exactly what happened, had something to do with a fire I believe, couldn't afford to repair it, lost the lease and the building owner couldn't tear it down since it was a historical landmark so he wanted to let it rott to the point where it could be bulldozed. Pretty damn sad, I hope SOMEONE leases that place and fully restores it.

Bummer.

Im going to call to see how much the lease is there. That would be a good spot to chill at.

Originally Posted by 68stroker

Bummer.

Im going to call to see how much the lease is there. That would be a good spot to chill at.

You're absolutely right. Hasn't been rented in years and years...

I got the story on this one guy's i knew the owner...My story start's back when my ex wife first started working there all the employee's stole food and money daily but the place still made alot...I mean shit there were people that went there everyday that had been going there since the 60's and 70's!

The place is actually owned by 2 parties the owner's of the actuall building and the owner's of the land who leased to the building owners...Well the owner of the building never paid rent for like over a year and finally the land owner's forced them to shut down.

The building owner was this older lady she went out and bought a brand new CTS-V even though she hadnt paid rent in like 9mo!

Pretty sad becuase this is one of the oldest resturant's in Visalia! The city even placed it on the historical landmark list and now it sit's vacant until they decide what to do with it.

It holds a lot of memories for me because my grandparents loved to eat there and would always take me there for ice cream or a malt. We would meet up there as a family to have dinners and what not i wish it was still open. It was a cool little place just cuz it was so old. I used to work at A&W on Mooney and Craig's father in law, Bob was looking into buying it but i guess he decided not too.

Yeah, I heard that some people in LA owned it????? Its amazing that no one has bothered with re-opening that place.

Its pretty cool to hear about peoples memories there.

Im going to find someone to open that place back up.

I love that old building, in the 40's it was called Tad's. The owners were going to bull-doze it and they almost got to. The building didn't have historical status at the time. The city stepped in and gave that status before they could knock it down. People talk crap about local government but it is sure is nice to know they are willing to protect our local history.

It was in the movie "American Grafitti". It would be awesome to have a big open take out type place for hot rods and burgers. Check out the movie. Give you an idea of the place in its prime. It has an all star cast and even has some Visalia drag racing. You locals will recognize all the spots.

Originally Posted by Big C

It was in the movie "American Grafitti". It would be awesome to have a big open take out type place for hot rods and burgers. Check out the movie. Give you an idea of the place in its prime. It has an all star cast and even has some Visalia drag racing. You locals will recognize all the spots.

I've been meaning to buy that movie but i had no idea some of it was filmed locally, that's freakin badass!