Ellen's Stardust Diner [SEP] inception
. It is popular among children and adults.
History.
Ellen's Stardust Diner was opened in 1987 after Ellen's Cafe was closed down. It was the first 1950s theme restaurant in New York City and had waitresses in poodle skirts. In the late 1990s, a sister restaurant operated near Times Square under the name Stardust Dine-O-Mat.
During 2016–2017, the restaurant saw a period of unrest, when it was alleged that 31 waiters were fired after attempting to form a union, and the restaurant
where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character and her 15-year-old daughter’s friends stopped for a bite after the ball dropped. It was also featured in "American Idol" when a former employee, Devyn Rush, became a contestant on the show. Reports subsequently followed regarding Devyn's employment status at Ellen's Stardust Diner. Ellen's Diner was also featured on a "Today Show" episode.
Alumni on Broadway.
Several alums of Ellen's Stardust Diner singing waitstaff have gone on to have successful careers on Broadway theatre