<P> From the 1920s to the 1940s, diners were usually prefabricated in factories (like mobile homes) and delivered to the restaurant site . As a result, many early diners were typically small and narrow, because they had to fit onto a rail car or truck for delivery to the restaurant site . Some of these diners have been expanded over the years through additions onto the prefabricated structure, while many contemporary diners are fully built on - site instead . Diners were historically small businesses operated by the owner; however, many diners are currently operated by chains . </P> <P> Diners typically serve American food such as hamburgers, french fries, club sandwiches, and other simple, quickly cooked, and inexpensive fare . Much of the food is grilled, as early diners were based around a grill . Coffee is the ubiquitous beverage at diners, even if it is not always of high quality . Diners often serve hand - blended milkshakes and desserts such as pies, which are typically displayed in a glass case . Classic American diners often have an exterior layer of stainless steel siding--a feature unique to diner architecture . In some cases, diners share nostalgic, retro style features also found in some restored drive - ins and old movie theatres . </P> <P> The first diner was created in 1872 by Walter Scott, who sold food out of a horse - pulled wagon to employees of the Providence Journal, in Providence, Rhode Island . Scott's diner can be considered the first diner with walk - up service, as it had windows on each side of the wagon . Commercial production of lunch wagons began in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1887, by Thomas Buckley . Buckley was successful and became known for his "White House Cafe" wagons . Charles Palmer received the first patent (1893) for the diner, which he billed as a "Night - Lunch Wagon ." He built his "fancy night cafes" and "night lunch wagons" in the Worcester area until 1901 . </P> <Ul> <Li> DeRaffele Manufacturing Co. Inc </Li> <Li> Fodero Dining Car Company </Li> <Li> Jerry O'Mahony Diner Company </Li> <Li> Kullman Dining Car Company </Li> <Li> Mountain View Diners Company </Li> <Li> Silk City Diners </Li> <Li> Tierney Dining Cars </Li> <Li> Worcester Lunch Car Company </Li> </Ul>

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