Metro Diner Opening This October in Palm Harbor

Metro Diner is set to open a new location in Palm Harbor this October at 35000 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684. Joint Venture Partner (JVP) Shawn Pollard told Business Debut that the estimated opening date is either October 6th or 13th, depending on final construction timelines.

The restaurant will bring its classic American diner concept to the area, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, with hours from 8 am–8 pm. Once open, it will seat about 111 guests inside and include a patio for outdoor dining. During the first week, the diner will operate until 3 pm only, while new staff complete training.

The menu will include signature dishes like fried chicken and waffles with strawberry butter, bold city meatloaf, rack of ribs, and Pollard's personal favorite homemade corned beef hash. “We cook and season it ourselves, cut it down, and shave it down and make it,” Pollard said. “Most places just use a can.”

Metro Diner was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1992. It started as a local neighborhood spot and gained national attention after being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Known for its elevated takes on American diner classics, the brand has since expanded to over 72 locations across 12 states, and the upcoming Palm Harbor location will be one more in its growing family of diners.

The building, previously home to another diner for over 40 years, was completely demolished, and is being rebuilt from the ground up. “My GC said the only thing left were the four corners. He thinks this will be one of the prettiest locations we’ve ever built because we're starting from scratch,” Pollard explained. Eric Derrico will serve as managing partner and operate the diner daily. The team plans to hire around 75 local employees with a four-person management team.

The hiring process will begin in August. Stay up to date by checking the Metro Diner website and watch out for hiring signs on-site.