Diners are an American staple. They serve home-cooked, fresh-off-the-griddle food that sticks to your ribs. Customers come for the atmosphere, which usually consists of walls with license plates or framed newspaper articles, the lower prices and the delicious food. Those who frequent diners are loyal customers.

Getting involved in the diners industry can be a bit overwhelming. Since most diners aren't involved with a larger, mass-marketed corporation, oftentimes all the details are up to you, the owner. Consider the following when diving into such a life:

1. Sort through diners information to start your own franchise.

2. Find diners suppliers that sell decor items, and stock up to adorn your walls.

3. Purchase tableware and other dining accessories for diners.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find diners information, and begin your search for the perfect fit

Determining what size and where to locate your diner can be a daunting task. Along those lines, if you're flexible with the location of your diner, finding the perfect spot to bring in customers can be challenging. You don't have to buy brand-new either. Like homeowners, former owners look to sell their diners, allowing you to pick one up for a decent price.

I recommend: Dinermite Diners can help narrow your search. With more than 40 years of diner-manufacturing experience, you can choose from eight different diner sizes, featuring 30 to 120 seats. Acting as the middleman, for a fee DinerForSale can put you directly in touch with owners looking to sell their diners. This is a perfect opportunity if you're looking to own a piece of history, as most of these diners are referred to as "vintage."

Purchase decor from a diners provider

Diners are a little more laid-back than traditional restaurants. Oftentimes you see kitschy items on the wall, such as clocks, neon signs and commercial prints. Customers relate to nostalgia; add pieces of their past with old advertisement pieces or metal signs.

I recommend: You can make your diner unique by outfitting it with vintage and retro wall decor such as clocks or signs from Dinerdecor.com. Creating a classic diner atmosphere, JRD Classics offers menu holders and tin signs, table lamps and neon signs. 50sRetroSigns.com features metal and porcelain signs that you can adorn your diner walls.

Buy tableware and other kitchen accessories from diners suppliers

Just like the decor, the tableware and kitchen accessories can make the diner more noticeable. Coffee mugs are a common sight at diners, as are napkin holders with a company logo. Make your diner different than the others by stocking up on unique dining items.

I recommend: RetroPlanet.com sells character or logo tableware, coffee mugs and even vintage towels. Find diner-style tableware in many vintage styles at Dinerdecor.com. From aprons to baskets, fryers to trays, you can find equipment that you're looking for at Anything4Restaurants.com. Peruse through a diners list of equipment through the National Restaurant Association's Equipment Directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check with your state to see if you can join a diners association. Some states group their diners under the restaurant association umbrella.