Originally the Diamond Soda Grill, our snug brick diner on Commonwealth was conceived in 1945 by founders Flonnie and W.A. James.  Mrs. James was the beating heart of the Diamond, a Marshville, NC native who loved to cook & serve and had a personality for hospitality.

“We had people who came and ate with us every day,” said son Ralph. “My mother made it a point to learn everyone who came by name. It was just like one big, happy family.”

Twin brothers Ralph and Robert took over the restaurant in 1964, displaying the James family flair for success. “My mom taught us how to cook and how to plan a menu,” James said. “We kept her influence in the restaurant & tried to keep the same friendliness.”

In 1984, the James family sold the restaurant to warm hearted Greek immigrant Gerry Pistiolis, who continued to keep the Diamond a beacon of good ‘ole home cookin’ and friendly family tradition in Plaza Midwood. Pistiolis cheerfully fed Charlotte’s politicians and bankers as well as Charlotte’s homeless.

With respect to her past and her previous caretakers, the historic Diamond has been polished and buffed to meet a new generation, to welcome back our older generation and to carry on the legacy we’ve been honored to inherit.

Just one big happy family.