Iconic diner craned to new home at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn

A 60-foot, 50-ton diner from Williamsburg is lifted into the air by crane and placed onto a flatbed truck for transport to its new home at Steiner Studios, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Brooklyn. The beloved Diner is being saved by Steiner Studios owner, Doug Steiner. Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Content Services for Steiner Studios

BROOKLYN NAVY YARD — The Wythe Diner, a 57-year-old railcar landmark, was hoisted from its longtime Williamsburg corner and transported two miles to the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Saturday, where it will live on as a permanent set for Steiner Studios, according to the New York Post.

The move was announced in August 2025.

Doug Steiner, owner of Steiner Studios, stands inside the iconic ciner from Williamsburg that he saved from demolition and brought by crane and flatbed truck to its new home at Steiner Studios, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Brooklyn. Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Content Services for Steiner Studios

The ’50s-style diner – featured in films including “Men in Black 3” and “The Good Shepherd” — had faced demolition after its $12.5 million sale this summer for a planned mixed-use development.

Studio chairman Doug Steiner intervened at the last minute, offering to relocate and preserve the structure, which hasn’t operated as a full restaurant since 2018.

Iconic Diner from Williamsburg, Brooklyn is lifted into the air by crane and settled into its new home at Steiner Studios, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Brooklyn. Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Content Services for Steiner Studios Instead of being demolished to make way for an apartment building, it will continue to star in commercials, photo shoots and television and film production. Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Content Services for Steiner Studios

“That diner was one of the few places we would go to have lunch in the early days,” Steiner told the New York Post, adding, “That was before major gentrification.”

Former owner Sandy Stillman called the move “one of the best days” of his life, saying he’s grateful the iconic neon-lit cafe will remain intact for future productions.

A 60-foot, 50-ton diner from Williamsburg is transported through the streets of New York City to its new home at Steiner Studios, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Brooklyn. Photo by Diane Bondareff/AP Content Services for Steiner Studios