There’s a turf war heating up in the Theater District, and it involves two diners with the exact same singing waitstaff concept. Stratis Morfogen is opening Diner 24, and he’s not hiding the fact that he’s going after Ellen’s Stardust Diner, the beloved Broadway institution run by 85-year-old Ellen Hart. When Hart’s team caught wind that staff were being contacted, HR sent out an email reminding employees about the company’s conflicts of interest policy.
Morfogen’s response was, predictably, a lot. He posted an Instagram video declaring war, saying that if you want to fight him, he’s the last guy you want to fight because he’ll fight“til the end.”He also claimed he visited Ellen’s Stardust once, ate half a burger, and left. Hart’s spokesperson hit back, criticizing him for picking a fight with an 85-year-old Miss Subways who has supported the Broadway and artist community for decades.
The whole thing broke out publicly in Page Six, and now New Yorkers are picking sides. Is this just aggressive marketing for Diner 24, or did Morfogen actually cross a line? Either way, the singing diner battle is officially on. So we want to know: would you try Diner 24, or are you ride-or-die for Ellen’s Stardust?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.