City Island Diner is inspiration behind J.Crew T-shirt

The business on the corner of City Island Avenue and Fordham Street has been around for 27 years.

Heather Fordham

Apr 17, 2024, 11:46 AM

Updated 233 days ago

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Burgers galore, and an award-winning breakfast special, it's what City Island Diner is known for. Now, the old-school diner is the face of a new vintage T-shirt designed and sold by retail company J.Crew.
"Will came in and he said he used to come here when he was a child, his father used to take him fishing, they live out on Long Island, and he remembered the place and he loved it and he pitched it to the crew at J.Crew, and they really liked it and they came up with a few designs," said Donna McGowan, co-owner of City Island Diner.
Donna McGowan owns the diner with her sister-in-law, Susan Hayes. The business on the corner of City Island Avenue and Fordham Street has been around for 27 years. Hayes says the design is inspired by the island's culture.
"On City Island there are muscle suckers and there are clam diggers, the clam diggers are born here, and the muscle suckers moved on," said Susan Hayes.
While the diner does not receive a direct profit from T-shirt sales, McGowan and Hayes say the exposure is priceless.
With the summer season approaching, Hayes says they have added new menu items, repainted their storefront, and with this added attention they are excited to welcome both old and new customers into their establishment.
"We are just excited for the season and looking forward to meeting some new friends and old faces as well," said Hayes.