Why does an otherwise intelligent, reasonable guy devote his entire career to promoting diners?

I do this because I believe that your efforts make our society a better place to live. Promoting local ownership and historic preservation ensures a more prosperous and civilized future. From day one, I’ve told anyone who would listen: good diners make good communities. And only good diners distribute Roadside Magazine.

We may explore the back roads and Main Streets of America, but all Roadside really does is tell the world what a great job you are doing. When our readers see your diner represented in the magazine, that tells them that you run a quality establishment.

I do this because I know that more and more people prefer finding a good local place as an alternative to the mediocrity of the chain and franchise establishment. I meet them, I read about them, and I see them on television. Our growth means reaching this enthusiastic, discerning, and ultimately very loyal customer.

I do this because when I started back in 1990, I could find no other reliable source of information about diners and other roadside attractions. Today, I see the popularity of these unique American treasures everywhere—on the new cable networks, on the web, and in a growing number of books. To me, this proves that the interest is strong and expanding.

I do this because I want more cool places to visit with my family. Nothing makes travel more boring than a landscape homogenized by corporate America. I believe that the spirit of independence continues on our roadsides, and that Roadside Magazine is its declaration.

Randy Garbin
Publisher

All photos by Michael G. Stewart