Update: It seems that Sancliffe Corp, the company owned by the Sanfords, indeed bought this diner and property from the previous owners in August, 2000.
The recent addition of a “For Sale” sign in the window of the Star Diner in East Providence is completely consistent with everything I’ve written and we’ve observed about this bizarre family and their strange way of doing things.
As we don’t know what the current market value of the real estate is in that area, it’s too early to say whether a buyer would buy purely for the real estate, or buy the diner to operate.
Once again, I’ll say what I’ve said before. It is unlikely the Star will ever re-open on that site. My guess is the diner will be moved off that property. The Sanfords badly damaged the foodservice trade reputation for that site after leaving it closed for 9 of 10 years. Sure, it could be re-established, but I doubt it will ever re-open.
It was painfully obvious when they closed that they were never coming back. Their disingenuous “we’ll keep you posted” line was ripped right from the pages of every lying politician’s “How To BS the Public” manual.
It would be so refreshing if people just said what they are doing, or if they can’t do that, then just don’t lie to all of us. This is why we’ve all become skeptical and cynical. We don’t believe anything much any more. (BP being the latest great example…)
I think it’s obvious that they had a 10-year Lease and it expired in winter, 2010 and that’s when and why they left. One can only speculate as to why they opened for just 11 months out of a decade. I’m sure there is a reason. Could be for tax reasons? Maybe now they know the diner thing is not for them.
One thing I am sure about — neither Eddie’s or Travelers will ever re-open at Westport, Mass. Very strange indeed.