Pickering’s Grill (1940s) – Marty and Phil’s – Mr. G’s

The Diner’s History – there were 3 iterations of this Diner

Pickering’s Grill – 1940

Marty and Phil’s

Mr. G’s

The Paramount Dining Car Company of Haledon, which neighbors Paterson, built Mr. G’s diner in 1940. It was originally known as Pickering’s Grill. The exterior features a signature Paramount design: rounded glass brick corners.

**The Revival of Mr. G’s Diner**

In 2008, civil rights icon Russell “G” Graddy (1931-2021) acquired a local eatery and transformed it into Mr. G’s Diner. Originally from Wrightsville, Georgia, Graddy relocated to Paterson during his teenage years. Local records highlight his pivotal role as a civil rights advocate in Paterson, notably aiding in the coordination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the Silk City in late March 1968, mere days before King’s tragic assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.

In 2019, Paterson paid tribute to Graddy’s lifelong dedication by naming a section of 10th Avenue “Mr. Russell G. Graddy Way.” He passed away in November 2021 at age 90.

**Paterson’s Diner Legacy**

Like many industrial cities in New Jersey, Paterson faced significant economic challenges, leading to the closure of numerous businesses, including its cherished diners. In August 2023, Nicholas Diner, a fixture on East Railway Avenue for over four decades, closed its doors, leaving Paterson without a single diner. This followed the 2017 shuttering of the Egg Platter on Crooks Avenue, a beloved establishment crafted by Master Diners of Pequannock.

**A New Chapter for Mr. G’s**

The return of Mr. G’s Diner marks a revival for Paterson’s dining scene. With a history stretching back over 80 years, the diner’s building is a cherished relic of the city’s industrial heyday, when bustling factories and families sustained a vibrant diner culture.

**The Vision Behind the Rebirth**

Entrepreneur Yaakoub Hijazi, owner of Star Laundry near Mr. G’s at 421 East 16th Street, purchased the diner and its property with a vision to restore it. While Hijazi’s business focuses on industrial laundry for hospitality clients, his passion for food stems from his father, a seasoned New York City restaurateur who owned more than 20 establishments. 

Hijazi was connected with Vaughn and Marnie McKoy by Michael Powell, Paterson’s former economic development director. Together, they forged a partnership to bring Mr. G’s back to life. “I invest in Paterson’s real estate to preserve its historic landmarks,” Hijazi explained. “Keeping the city’s authentic character is essential.”

With Vaughn’s deep ties to Paterson and expertise in the food and beverage industry, the team invested millions in private funds to refurbish the diner. Renovations began in September 2023 and are slated for completion with a grand opening by late March 2024. The revitalized Mr. G’s will retain its historic name while undergoing extensive interior and exterior upgrades.