Eat at Every Diner in Jersey? This Couple Is Trying

By Mia R.. Jul 25, 2024

What would it be like to set off on a quest to visit every diner in your state? For Jon and Karri Ricklin, this isn’t just a daydream - it’s their reality. Eight years into their journey, this New Jersey couple has dined at more than 200 diners, and their adventure is far from over.

The Beginnings of a Diner Odyssey

What started as a casual photo in a diner in 2015 soon morphed into an epic culinary mission. Jon Ricklin, a dry-cleaning service owner, and Karri, a nurse, decided to document their diner experiences, capturing a unique snapshot of New Jersey culture one meal at a time.

The Allure of Diners

The couple’s choice to focus on diners springs from both convenience and nostalgia. Diners, often seen as the heart of American dining, offer a glimpse into the local flavors and stories of the communities they serve. For the Ricklins, each diner visit isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience and the people.

Documenting Every Bite

With a goal of visiting every diner in New Jersey, the state known for having the most diners in the country, the Ricklins have turned their weekends into mini adventures. They carefully plan their diner visits around their work schedules, turning each meal into a moment of discovery and delight.

Social Media and Community Engagement

Their journey has blossomed on social media, where they share their diner experiences with an ever-growing following. This online engagement has created a community of diner enthusiasts who follow the Ricklins’ quest, eager to see where their taste buds take them next.

Together, Jon and Karri are discovering New Jersey’s culinary delights and celebrating diner culture and community spirit across the state.

Reference: Couple makes it their mission to visit every diner in NJ - and they’re only halfway there