The Red Arrow Diner, a fixture of Manchester, New Hampshire since 1922, is one of the few remaining establishments that stay open around the clock. Co‑owners Amanda Wihby and George Lawrence say the diner’s 24‑hour service is now a rarity, making it a special gathering place for a diverse crowd.
Why the diner stays open all night
Wihby describes the overnight patrons as a mix of regulars seeking a warm cup of coffee, first‑responders finishing a third shift, travelers passing through, and people leaving bars. “It’s important for us to be here for them,” she said. The diner’s commitment to being open from midnight to 5 a.m. has helped it stand out as other all‑night restaurants close.
National trend versus local resilience
Yelp data released in 2025 showed an 11 % drop in 24‑hour restaurants nationwide between 2020 and 2025, with cities like Los Angeles losing 29 % of such venues. Yet a handful of markets, including Baltimore, Salt Lake City and Key West, have seen modest growth. Labor shortages, younger consumers drinking less alcohol, lingering pandemic effects and the rise of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs are cited as reasons for the overall decline.
Despite these pressures, all four Red Arrow locations have returned to full 24‑hour service after the pandemic forced three of them to close temporarily. “When the governor closed us down, we didn’t have keys,” Wihby recalled, noting the diner had never shut its doors before.
Balancing costs and quality
Restaurant labor costs are “well above historical averages,” according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2026 report, and inflation continues to squeeze margins. Wihby says the owners focus on finding efficiencies without sacrificing food quality. “We sit and find solutions and troubleshoot and find a way to squeeze out the bottom line wherever we can, but not by cutting our quality,” she explained.
The diner attributes much of its success to long‑standing employees and loyal vendors. One general manager began as a teenage dishwasher, worked his way up to cook, and now runs the Londonderry location with his own family. Several staff members have ten‑plus years of service, fostering personal connections with regulars.
Community ties and notable visitors
Red Arrow’s staff pride themselves on knowing customers by name or favorite order, creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps patrons returning. The diner even honors a famous regular: Stan Sandler, father of Hollywood actor Adam Sandler, who ate there every Sunday. His favorite breakfast—eggs, bacon, pan‑fries and toast—is listed on the menu as “Stan the Man.”
Presidential candidates have also stopped by, including former President Donald Trump in 2023 after a campaign rally. Lawrence recalled the excitement of seeing national leaders share a meal with everyday New Hampshire residents.
Looking ahead
Wihby and Lawrence remain optimistic that the 24‑hour tradition will endure. “I could be sitting here next to the governor on one side and maybe a nurse or someone in construction on the other side,” Wihby said. “We cater to all walks of life. There is a seat for everybody at the counter. And what’s more American than that? I think that tradition is important, and I think it’ll stay alive.”
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
