Submitted by HASIME UKPERAJ
OAKLAND – For Harry Mihas, owner of Oakland Diner on 72 Ramapo Valley Road, life never came easy. About two years ago, his business, a goal he had dreamt of as a young boy, was on the brink of bankruptcy. But an unlikely source would turn what had approximated into a dreadful nightmare into a dream come true once a special “housewife” emerged into the picture.
“I was almost ready to lose this place. As soon as I bought it [the diner], the economy was good, a week later the economy goes crazy. I thought I was dreaming, I was like this has got to be a bad joke,” said 45-year-old Mihas, while sitting proudly in a striped colored booth in his diner.
Mihas’ stressful past is well hidden behind the charismatic personality that shines through his well above 5’8 frame. His friendly demeanor makes one feel as though he’s been a lifelong friend.
“Everyone loves him, he’s indescribable, he’s a real person,” said long time friend of 15 years, Dina Carlone.
His happy demeanor belies that he’s been through rough times.
The Oakland Diner which opened in 1949, is located on a reserved street next to a CITGO gas station, with small businesses nearby. The laid back suburban town of Oakland consists of 12,466 residents according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There is a 94.8 percent population of Caucasian residents and 0.8 percent of an African American population. Hispanics and Latinos make up 3.9 percent. The median income level per household is $86,629.(http://www.census.gov/)
Oakland Diner on 72 Ramapo Valley Road PHOTO/COURTESY
After taking over a partnership at the diner three years ago, Mihas encountered unresolved problems from the very beginning. When he first bought the diner, the previous owner had not maintained the place properly, and Mihas was left with the responsibility of furbishing the place.
From repairs in ceilings, walls and floors to the septic maintenance, everything was on Mihas’ hands. After a week of purchasing the diner, the Board of Health approached him claiming that there was a problem with the septic tank that Mihas was unaware of. The previous owner had not notified him about the mishap. He immediately found himself investing all of his time, money and soon enough even sacrificing gas for his car, to maintain a business he was truly passionate about.
“I didn’t have money for gas to get to work, I would sleep in a booth. I’m looking to buy a new car now. It was really tough in the beginning with the economy hitting and overpaying for the place from the get go,” he said.
Customer satisfaction was another problem he experienced. The previous owners had called the diner customers informing them of their mistrust in Mihas.
But the hardships of the business eventually altered into a fresh start. Gradually, the Jersey City native transformed the diner he once purchased into one he could truly call his own. The once dark paneled walls were now a vibrant glistening splash of an ocean blue hue. Mihas slowly switched up the atmosphere to make the diner more inviting, warm and appealing to the customers.
But it was a prominent customer who appeared to drastically change the direction of the diner.
About two years ago, star of the hit reality show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Danielle Staub, unexpectedly approached Mihas one day determined that she would be a part of what is now the infamous Bravo cat fighting reality television show. She asked for permission to film at the diner. Mihas, without even thinking twice granted her wish.
“I said, I don’t care, do whatever you want…I was like she’s never going to get on TV anyway. That’s what I’m thinking,” he said.
Little did Mihas know that Staub would soon become famous and would become a household name to thousands of people. It was not until 2009 that he had realized that his diner was featured on the show.
Season 1, Episode 5 of the Housewives, shows Staub, 45 donning a blue sheer blouse and sitting at the diner with her then boyfriend Steve, 26 who wears a black Ed-Hardy tee shirt. She breaks up with him because of their age difference.
“I’m watching the housewives, as I’m closing, counting up my register and I’m seeing previews for the next week and I see Danielle and this guy talking at a booth with a blue wall. I’m like man, that really looks familiar. I’m looking, I’m like I saw that before, and then it hits me and I’m like…that’s the diner,” he said. (Listen to the Interview)
On a Season 2 episode of the "NJ Housewives," Staub sits in the booth nearest the window. PHOTO/COURTESY
After the show aired on Bravo in June 2009, it seemed that everyone wanted a taste of Staub’s favored diner. Mihas was getting dozens of new customers as well as phone calls from all over the West Coast and East Coast. Another famous New Jersey place is the Baddabing Club in Lodi, made famous by the hit TV show “The Sopranos.”
It has now become a norm for “Housewives” fans to snap a picture of Danielle’s preferred seat: the left corner booth with a black and cream striped leather cushioned accent, or another favorite, the back dining room.
“I have a lot of people that come visit relatives that are out of town and they are like ‘oh, I gotta go to that diner.’ The housewives really saved me. I wasn’t expecting it…you can never buy that, you know [being] on TV and everybody’s watching.It was a blessing and I’m thankful for it,” Mihas said.
Staub usually visits the diner about two to three times a week. “Housewives” fans especially know this, considering the many appearances the diner has made on the show. Usually, she dines with her two daughters, Christine and Jillian or with her now publicized friend, Lori Michaels. Staub’s favorite dish at the diner is actually a salad with chopped iceberg lettuce, grilled chicken, hard boiled eggs, cucumbers, avocado, and tomatoes topped with lemon and olive oil. Danielle Staub Appearance at Oakland Diner (YouTube)
“I was going to put it in the menu, I was going to call it “Danielle’s Revenge.” She doesn’t know about it, but that’s what I would like to call it,” Mihas said.
The menu currently is made up of homemade style food favorites such as hamburgers, chicken fingers and even the baking to name a few. An average price of a salad or lunch special would set a customer back a mere $10 dollars. Mihas is in the works of releasing a revamped diet menu next month that would comprise of more organic and healthier food choices for his customers.
“I’ve been putting a lot of multi-grain waffles and organic items on the menu and the customers are going crazy…you get your money’s worth when you come to the diner and eat,” Mihas said.
Celebrity appearances other than Staub’s occur quite often. Sopranos’ actor, Tony Lip makes frequent visits as do stuntmen from the 2010 film Salt, Brian Smyj and production assistant, Stephanie Pon.
“Everyone who walks through that door is a star, I make them a star, I treat them like a star. I treat everyone like a movie star when they walk in, except if you’re a real movie star, then I’m going to treat you like a regular person,” Mihas said.
Owner, Harry Mihas was influenced by the Route 66 map and attributed it to his diner walls. PHOTO/COURTESY
When not attending to customers or stars at the diner, the Haskell, N.J. resident enjoys playing the guitar, going to the city and living life to the fullest. Mihas enjoys traveling all around the world especially to where his roots are, in Greece.
“I’m a 45-year old party animal that works a lot. I work hard but I play hard too. I am a real animated guy. I look scary when you first meet me but after awhile I’m just a big teddy bear,” Mihas said.
The single father now works with his two sons, (along with his other team of about 20 staff members) after being apart for 10 years. Mihas was always interested in someday owning his own diner ever since he landed his first job as a freelance baker at only age 15.
Mihas’ genuine warm laugh and relaxed persona confirms that he is satisfied with the direction his business is going. He looks forward to fulfilling future renovation plans at the diner.
“I just keep trying to make it better and better everyday. My ultimate goal is to try and put a roof top dining and just go nuts,” he said. “I don’t have money to do crazy renovations but little by little.”
It is difficult to believe that the gleaming ocean blue walls with the Route 66 map were once covered by dark panels. Or that the retro traditional show montage displayed near the ceiling, including the likes of Betty Boop, Felix the Cat and I Love Lucy, once never were. The intricate details Harry Mihas has embedded in the diner is what captivates the customers interest and leaves them coming back for more.
“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” may have brought in more business and benefits, but that still not does not stop Mihas from being driven and dedicated to his lifelong dream.
“Hard work does work out, it does if your patient and you work hard, you are going to get it done and with the help of God too. I am influenced by anybody that is doing the right thing and who works hard,” he said.
The Oakland Diner specializes in offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. The diner is open from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information on the town of Oakland visit its website at http://www.oakland-nj.org/.
Originally published in: http://currentnj.ramaporecord.org/