By Allison Michelli

Northern Virginians won’t have to wait much longer to get their 29 Diner fix. New owner and Fairfax native, John Wood hopes to reopen the doors of this iconic establishment in late July. “We just signed the lease,” says Wood. “As soon as we get all of our marching orders from the Virginia Board of Historical Resources we will reopen. It is going to be the same classic diner that it has been for the last 67 years.”

Maintaining the original infrastructure and classic diner touches like chrome detailing and swivel bar stools, the 29 Diner is undergoing only a “cosmetic remodel” to “polish the place up,” says Wood, who identifies as a service-disabled veteran and has been in the restaurant business for the last 30 years.

According to Wood, the diner will also be keeping its traditional menu, featuring American comfort foods like barbecue chicken and meatloaf and milkshakes. / 29 Diner, 10536 Lee Highway (Rt 29), Fairfax.