GARNERVILLE, Rockland County (WABC) — A Rockland County staple is celebrating a major milestone.
The owner, who’s a 76-year-old immigrant from Greece, is reflecting on the storied past of Sparky’s Diner, including a massive fire in the 80s, economic hardships and the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the one thing that hasn’t changed is its impact on the community.
“I love what I do. I get up every morning and I have a purpose to come in here and open up and greet the people that come in. I love it,” said owner Jeannie Nicolakis.
In 1976, Jeannie and her late husband moved up from the Bronx and bought the struggling diner on Route 202 in Garnerville.
Other than a fire in 1989 that kept them closed for two months, Sparky’s is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
Israel Medina started working at the diner when he was 16.
“I’ve been here 30 years. My kids grew up here. It’s like home,” he said.
Even if you haven’t eaten there, you might be familiar with Sparky’s because 14 movies have filmed scenes in the diner.
From Julia Roberts to Denzel Washington, Jeannie worked with them all. But the locals insist she is the star.
And she says she’s not going anywhere.
“As long as the good Lord gives me time, that’s what I’m going to do. I’ll stay right here. I’m not going nowhere,” she said.
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More local news
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
