The 29 Diner is not just a building or a business. It's a piece of our shared history, an emblem of Fairfax City, Virginia. A local institution, it sits pridefully adorned with a cherished "preservation" marker in recognition of its historic and cultural significance. However, the land it occupies at the intersection of Route 29 and near Chain Bridge Road is now at risk of being sold and potentially redeveloped. Losing the former Tastee 29 Diner would be a significant blow to Fairfax City's local history. The diner is even on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The 29 Diner represents the community's collective memory. It's a monument reminding us of the old Fairfax, a city that cherished gatherings, valued traditions, and celebrated life, one homemade American meal at a time. The diner's sign is a critical part of this legacy - it's a beacon of nostalgia, overlooking the city and welcoming generations of families who have shared meals and moments here. Would you tear down the Hollywood Sign, or the Welcome to Vegas sign from those communities? 

Our beloved landmark has long been under threat as the building has been vacant for many years. But a potential real estate transaction where the new owner decides to build something else could possibly mean the end of an era for even a memory of this institution in Fairfax City. Hopefully a new buyer will see the value of carrying the legacy of having a diner in this location, but we can't rely on that being the outcome. 

While it would be wonderful to keep the current location as-is, the fate of the Diner is in the hands of the new owner. If the new owner can't see the value of keeping the sign or the building in its current location, an acquisition by the city to at least keep the neon sign at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center would be a wonderful way to preserve this artifact of local Americana. 

Let us collectively make a stand for our community's soul. Join us in urging the city council and potential developers to preserve the iconic neon "29 Diner sign," and if possible, the diner car. 

Let's protect our landmark, honor our history, and preserve the city's character. Please sign this petition if you believe in the power of a community to protect their history and their roots!