Monroe Diner opened to great fanfare at 568 Main Street late last year, and now it's already an award-winning restaurant.
On Thursday night, the Architectural Review Board presented its Architectural Design Award to Maria Tziolis, who owns the diner with her husband, Xenofon.
"We're presenting the award this year for outstanding renovation of a diner," ARB Chairman John Rosen said at Monroe Town Hall.
Turning toward Tziolis, Rosen added, "I think we're all happy to have you as a business in Monroe. Congratulations."
Monroe Planning & Zoning Chairman Pat O'Hara recalled a time when the New Colony Diner in the building before it was the only place for he could go for cheap fries.
Many in town missed having a diner when New Colony closed a few years ago.
"You folks did a wonderful job with that building," O'Hara said.
Tziolis said, "We love being here. It's very family oriented. Thank you very much."
In addition to Tziolis' husband, co-owners Dimitri Alatakis' and Andy Tsilfides' names are on the plaque Rosen presented.
An inscription on the plaque says, "In recognition of your outstanding effort to improve the aesthetics of our community by renovation of the building at 568 Main Street."
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