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R.I.P. Val Rio Diner: and Hello Starbucks
For over 60 years the “Val” has been a place for get togethers, family eating, fun, and memories. Until now. The biggest coffee empire, Starbucks, is moving in its location. So, instead of having a place to eat at four in the morning to fulfill your midnight hunger, we will have a nice coffee shop that charges about $5.00 for a cup of their “Skinny Vanilla Mocha Venti.” There will also be a Walgreens built on the property as well. Like we need another drug store! We already have too many like Gateway, Rite Aid, CVS and Eckerd.
The Vale Rio Diner was named after the Valerio family and it was a home and a hangout for many people, old and young. “I loved how you could get a plate of eggs to satisfy the munchies at 3 in the morning,” stated Heather Brown, a frequent early morning visitor of the Val. “The people who work there are funny and make you laugh. It is really like dinner and a show! One guy drew a whipped cream smiley face on the fridge just to impress me. The Val was definitely the best place to dine!”
After school about a month ago, I decided to walk down to the “Val” to get some input from an employee. I had the pleasure of talking with an employee, who is also a junior at our high school named Sam Pfender. “The Val Rio was a place of fun, laughter, and definitely good eating!” stated Sam. “I am really sad that the Val closed, not only because I need to find a new place for employment, but because the Val held so many memories.”
Other people in PAHS have fond memories of The Vale Rio. Mrs. Gentile stated, “The Val was like a staple to Phoenixville, and it is really sad that it is gone. The administration would go to the Val for breakfast every pay day to have breakfast, and now that the Val is gone, that tradition is gone.”
“I will miss the Christmas brunches with my family, great French Onion Soup, and the always entertaining waiter and friend of mine, Alex! The fact that it has been closed has still not hit home! Where am I to go now?” stated Ms. Rusanovschi.
Mr. Coyne also had a few words about the Val. “Back in the day when I was still coaching football here, we would have a football coaches breakfast at the Val Rio at 6:00 AM on the first day of football camp. The Val Rio people would always be so nice and accommodating. The waiting staff was always so pleasant, even at that early morning hour.”
“When I went through rough patches with friends, my mom (and still is) the “World’s Greatest!” and whenever I had problem, she would take me to the Val on Friday nights to pick me up. We would chat and have tea, chicken fingers, and fries… I will never forget those nights! Stated Ms. Vance
Recently, the vintage diner part of the Val was “shrink” wrapped and transported to The Puleo Reality management office on Starr St. (Across the street from the Getty station). While it sits there, the township will try to figure out a place for the diner to fit the traffic, patrons, and the township’s needs. If the Val is not in its new location within a certain time-frame, it will be sold.
So next time you have a “craving” for the Val I guess you’re outta luck, unless they re-open the diner, but one day you can walk down to the former location to buy an exotic cup of coffee, for five bucks, or a few cough drops at the new pharmacy.
Posted by
Alex Miller
The Vale Rio Diner was named after the Valerio family and it was a home and a hangout for many people, old and young. “I loved how you could get a plate of eggs to satisfy the munchies at 3 in the morning,” stated Heather Brown, a frequent early morning visitor of the Val. “The people who work there are funny and make you laugh. It is really like dinner and a show! One guy drew a whipped cream smiley face on the fridge just to impress me. The Val was definitely the best place to dine!”
After school about a month ago, I decided to walk down to the “Val” to get some input from an employee. I had the pleasure of talking with an employee, who is also a junior at our high school named Sam Pfender. “The Val Rio was a place of fun, laughter, and definitely good eating!” stated Sam. “I am really sad that the Val closed, not only because I need to find a new place for employment, but because the Val held so many memories.”
Other people in PAHS have fond memories of The Vale Rio. Mrs. Gentile stated, “The Val was like a staple to Phoenixville, and it is really sad that it is gone. The administration would go to the Val for breakfast every pay day to have breakfast, and now that the Val is gone, that tradition is gone.”
“I will miss the Christmas brunches with my family, great French Onion Soup, and the always entertaining waiter and friend of mine, Alex! The fact that it has been closed has still not hit home! Where am I to go now?” stated Ms. Rusanovschi.
Mr. Coyne also had a few words about the Val. “Back in the day when I was still coaching football here, we would have a football coaches breakfast at the Val Rio at 6:00 AM on the first day of football camp. The Val Rio people would always be so nice and accommodating. The waiting staff was always so pleasant, even at that early morning hour.”
“When I went through rough patches with friends, my mom (and still is) the “World’s Greatest!” and whenever I had problem, she would take me to the Val on Friday nights to pick me up. We would chat and have tea, chicken fingers, and fries… I will never forget those nights! Stated Ms. Vance
Recently, the vintage diner part of the Val was “shrink” wrapped and transported to The Puleo Reality management office on Starr St. (Across the street from the Getty station). While it sits there, the township will try to figure out a place for the diner to fit the traffic, patrons, and the township’s needs. If the Val is not in its new location within a certain time-frame, it will be sold.
So next time you have a “craving” for the Val I guess you’re outta luck, unless they re-open the diner, but one day you can walk down to the former location to buy an exotic cup of coffee, for five bucks, or a few cough drops at the new pharmacy.
Posted by
Alex Miller
posted by The Phoenix Files at
1:49 PM
38 Comments:
it's not shrink wrapped and the banners/cheesy inflatables are on the roof where it currently sits. to make matters worse the ugly side is facing starr st. Signed- a thrilled neighbor
"While it sits there, the township will try to figure out a place for the diner to fit the traffic, patrons, and the township’s needs."
The diner is in the Borough of Phoenixville, which is not a township.
Regardless of the Val's current resting state and the inability of Mr. Miller to tell the difference between a borough and township, we should all remember the past. Things like: the report that said "...part of the agreement of sale of the property is that a suitable site shall be found to keep the ValeRio within the Borough limits..." (check the back issues of your paper Mr. Miller), and, to go even further back in time, the swift destruction of The General Pike and the controversy THAT stirred (more checking of the back issues Mr. Miller).
While it is true that the Puleo Group had the right to sell their property to anyone, the Borough has the job of approving or denying applications for construction and the type of business to be run at ANY property within the borough. This means we have many people to scrutinize should anything happen to the Val.
Oh, and Mr. Puleo, don't forget your promise to keep the ValeRio in the borough (check the back issues one last time Mr. Miller).
Anyone who finds trouble with bringing a Starbucks in should check there facts about the company. The reason their product costs so much is because every employee(part-time or full-time) gets 100% medical benefits that start at the date of hire. Not such a bad deal, if you ask me. Mr. Miller, maybe your buddy can find a new job at Starbucks.
And anybody that thinks that the diner will stay in the borough is a fool. Puleo will be just as quick to take money for the structure as he was to take money for his property. He's a business man.
Alex Miller is a 10th grade student at the Phoenixville Area High School who wrote this article for the school newspaper, The Purple Press. It is a wonderful article, and we would like to thank The Phoenix for posting it to their website.
Karin Williams
Public Relations Coordinator
Phoenixville Area School District
And we would also like to thank the brainless commentators for hammering a 10th grader. Philadelphian's may throw snowballs at Santa but Phoenixvillian's would run him over with their car, stop and check for a pulse, and then back over him again. Oh, and then complain that he left blood stains on their tires.
Starbucks is good. Typical that the individual who blitzkrieged the poor tenth grader with facts and figures (and we can think of only one person who has so much time on his hands to constantly submit these "anonymous" caustic posts) appears once again as "anonymous." Not enough that you already wrote about this on your own blog? Your research is commendable), but when you insert your personal viewpoints, it goes awry.
I'm guessing the negative responders are Democrats. Bitter people usually are. These are the people that have stifled progress in the Borough for years, and then look for someone to blame. Keep holding onto the past, and watch the surrounding areas leave the Borough of Phoenixville in the dust. Thank goodness for the capitalists willing to invest their own money on Bridge Street.
I agree: bitter people usually are Democrats. You hit the nail on the head, my friend. And I am one of those capitalists on Bridge St. and damn proud of it.
Mr Miller,
Your article is very good, and I hope it makes it 'in print' in the newspaper itself so that you may keep a hard copy for your future writing portfolio.
I've seen more comments to your article in 24 hours than to most of the actual reporters articles on this news blog. That speaks for itself.
As for Phoenixville being a township or a borough, maybe you were thinking Schuylkill Township could take that hunk of aluminum and spend a few bucks to restore it? Schuylkill Township, whose boundary lies within a short walking distance of the old hunk of junk's current home, has lots of land. The Val could be restored, with a shiny new look, nice parking lot, etc. This would do justice to the building and its history. It hasn't been properly taken care of in Phoenixville. It has been allowed to fall into deplorable condition by its current owner. It deserves better.
As for the Walgreens, I personally don't think it will last long. I'm guesing more than a few patrons will get nailed in traffic trying to leave the parking lot. Thank God there is an ambulance service right across the street.
Starbucks? Gas is going on $4.00/gallon and this is Phoenixville. Again, who is going to waste gas sitting at that intersection waiting to get out of there? They will be competing with Walgreens, and multiple traffic lights AND an ambulance/fire station/garage, etc. Its a bad spot. I'm not holding my breath for longevity for either one of these stores.
Why does this have to be about Deos and Reps? tHIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THAT.Demos bitter.Why ?It seems to most that Reps are the most bitter , or sore losers. Who has all the bogs?Reps, what do they do on them ? bitch, name calling, and all the rest that goes with that crap.And Mr. Miller , you wrote a fine piece, hope you are continuing your schooling. KEEP IT UP!
Check the 'back issues' for information on the General Pike? Mr Miller probably wasn't even BORN when those articles were written.
I commend this kid on writing so well he sounds like he is an employee of the paper. Oh wait. THAT isn't a compliment.
Good job, Mr Miller. Keep writing. You are very good at it!
This article is electropop hot.
Are electropops Republicans or Democrats?
LOLOLOL! Write on Mr Miller. I think the Phoenix should give you your own weekly column. We could use a fresh perspective from kids in this town.
Actually this is "Mr. Miller", and I am a republican :)
I think General Pike was a Republican. Actually the NEWSPAPER was called the Daily Republican before those liberal commies took over everything
my dad calls liberals commies.
hahah
oh god
A man was traveling along Scottsdale Road the other day
when a tire blew out.
Checking his spare, he found that it too was flat.
His only option was to flag down a passing motorist and get a ride to the next town.
The first vehicle to stop was an old man in a van. He yelled out the window, 'Need a lift?'
'Yes, I sure do,' he replied.
'You a Republican or Democrat,' asked the old man.
'Republican,' he replied.
'Well, you can just go to Hell,' yelled the old man as he sped off.
Another guy stopped, rolled down the window, and asked him the same question.
Again, he gave the same answer, 'Republican.'
The driver gave him the finger and drove off.
He thought it over and decided that maybe he should change his strategy, since this area seemed to be overly political and there appeared to be few Republicans.
The next car to stop was a red convertible driven by a beautiful blonde.
She smiled seductively and asked if he was a Republican or Democrat.
'Democrat!', he shouted.
'Hop in!', replied the blonde.
Driving down the road, he couldn't help but stare at the gorgeous woman in the seat next to him, the wind blowing through her hair, perfect breasts, and a short skirt that continued to ride higher and higher up her thighs.
Finally, he yelled, 'Please stop the car.'
She immediately slammed on the brakes and as soon as the car stopped, he jumped out.
'What's the matter?', she asked.
'I can't take it anymore,' he replied. 'I've only been a Democrat for five minutes and already I want to screw somebody.'
Alex Miller, go forth and prosper!
You may just have already found yourself a niche in the world of journalism.
I found your article interesting and articulate and I'm going to look for more articles under your by-line.
Pay no mind to those cranky anonymouses, mices, whatever.
Keep up the good work, young man!
GIVE ALEX MILLER HIS OWN COLUMN!!! Go Alex!
The Purple Press has many fine young writers such as Alex. Maybe the Phoenix can publish more of their articles in their paper; it may increase their circulation. It is a very good read. Keep up the good work!
Rock on Mr. Miller! I think this guy needs his own column. He generated more interest in a blog post than I've seen in a while and even as a 10 grader he's a better writer than Dennis so that scored some major points!!!!!!!!
This is anonymous #3. Lest anyone think I was lambasting Mr. Miller (yes, Mr. is appropriate
for one who is published, whether in print or electronically), my reply was to the first two
anonymous replies. The meat of my post is directed toward Mr. Puleo and the Borough. If those
who misunderstood would have slowed down and actually read my post, they would have seen that
fact. As for what I referenced, all is from memory which is why I asked Mr. Miller to check
the back issues for that little thing called CLARIFICATION. Much to my chagrin, Mr. Miller is
still a student. However, that does not stop him from requesting an archive search for those
articles. I think he might just be the person to do that and bring it all together.
As for those who would suggest that Phoenixvillians are SO HORRIBLE, take a look at your own
caustic and horrible comments. Brainless, hammering and blitzkrieg?? Yes, you are the
neighbors I want, not! And just for you Mdme. Bender, I don't have a blog and my previous post
is my first ever blog entry. Brings to to mind 2 sayings; Open mouth, insert foot. And the old
story about the word ASSUME. Kids, if you don't know this one find someone over 40, they ought
to know.
For you republicrats, this year is ripe for upheaval, what with all the infighting and deplorable behaviour on both sides. I for one am sick of the 2 party system that has dragged this country around for too long. This Fall Oust 'Em All. Vote Independent!
Mr. Miller, Kudos to you and your fine article. Well written, better than most of what I see in these smalltown newspapers (spelling is even correct). Keep it up, maybe we'll see you hit the big time, maybe even before graduation.
Salute!
Alex:
Do you have your own blog? If so, let us know the address. If not, I encourage you to create one and start sharing your local thoughts.
Blogging has proved quite successful for both me and Councilman Buckwalter; people are paying attention.
I think that the Phoenixville Area School District should be commended for helping to produce talented writers such as Mr. Miller. I thought that his article was informative, respectful and humorous. Way to go Mr. Miller and PASD.
Alex,
I agree with Jeff -- if you don't have your own blog, you should start one, especially if you would like to write professionally (which you should consider as you appear to have talent.)
The best way to learn to write is to simply to do as often as possible. The advantage of blogs is that you can get feedback to see if your intent is being picked up by an audience. Keep writing, keep refining your craft and the future is very bright.
Hello. I am Mr. Zittel, Alex's teacher and the advisor of the PAHS school newspaper, The Purple Press. We have so many fine writers and articles in our papers. If you would like to see online editions of our paper, (and more from Alex!) pleased check out any of the links below. If you have any direct feedback for us, please email us at suggestions@phoenixvillejournal.com (Alex set up this email address...he is multi-talented).
(** remove the space between Purple and Press in the link!**)
Feb/March 2008 edition:
http://teachers.pasd.k12.pa.us/hs/Newspaper/Purple Press5.pdf
January 2008:
http://teachers.pasd.k12.pa.us/hs/Newspaper/Purple Press4.pdf
December 2007:
http://teachers.pasd.k12.pa.us/hs/Newspaper/Purple Press3.pdf
November 2007:
http://teachers.pasd.k12.pa.us/hs/Newspaper/Purple Press2.pdf
October 2007:
http://teachers.pasd.k12.pa.us/hs/Newspaper/Purple Press1.pdf
Thanks!
Thank you Mr Zittel!
I see no reason why these kids can't get a weekly column in the Phoenix.
Lets hear some feedback from the newspaper on this!
Ummm...Mr Zittel? (raising my hand)
Mr Zittel? I can't get the links to work.
Whoops. Sorry Mr Zittel. I didn't pay attention to your directions. That SPACE...
Now I see it!
Wow. This school newspaper is good. They didn't have this kind of a paper when I was in school. We ran off our school newspaper copies on this crank press thing with purple ink, LOL!
Very nice newspaper the high school students put out here!
MIssing what? To all those missing the food from the Val all i'am gonna say is you never came in from the back to see the kitchen. If you had to enter thru this area you would not have eaten. That is my memory of the val!
I think they should relocate the Val Rio Diner beside the old Schuylkill School. It can be like a dinosaur graveyard.
"you never came in from the back to see the kitchen"
That's why I would only go in there after I had been out drinking... you didn't care so much then.
I found a great little place to eat breakfast and read the paper right on Bridge Street. The place is called Irish Joe's and it is on the same block as Cheese and Charmed Spirit.
The food is really good and the price is right. I think it is open 7 days a week until about 1 or 2 in the afternoon. The girls there said I could even wear pajamas if I want to, LOL
Tom
I've been to Irish Joes. The food is good and the service is fast. You can hang out at the counter and read the Phoenix, LOL. The new front window looks great too.
Anon 9:58AM mentioned the kitchen.
Our son worked as a dishwasher there when he was in H.S. That's the only time we ever found cock roaches in our house! We made him basically strip in the garage after work and shake his clothes outside.
Never had a cockroach in the house before he worked there and never saw one again after he left there and we had the house fumigated.
I will grant them one thing - MOST eating places WILL have roaches once in a while. But they seemed to not care about having them.
I think the Vale was in deplorable condition. The owner put no effort into improving the restaurant. When the two parts of the building were separated I was grossed out by wyhat was left behind, from the basement up. If the Vale is going to relocate and open again for business hopefully the owner will show some interest in decent restoration.
Is there a time limit on how long the trailer can sit on Starr St?
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