Abandoned Hudson Valley Diner To Become Movie Prop

A local diner that has been empty for nearly 20 years is getting a new lease on life, as a movie prop. The Times Herald Record reports the former eatery on the corner of South Robinson and Dickson Street in Newburgh will be used in a new film to be shot in the city.

Visconti Bus Service, who owns the building, needs the land and offered the diner itself up for free. The only condition, whoever winds up owning it, is responsible for moving it to a new location. Owner Fred Visconti was inundated with offers from as far away as North Carolina. In the end, movie producer Giancarlo Lorusso and director Robert Fontaine Jr. were selected. The film in question was written by Fontaine and is a 'coming of age tale' that follows a story of a run down diner which is brought back to life as a working establishment.

Lorusso states he's considering restoring the diner to working condition after the film wraps shooting. It has operated under the names Cy's 9w Grill, The Family Diner and Lisi's Diner in the past.