Binghamton’s Iconic Red Oak Restaurant Springing Back to Life

A diner that was a fixture in Binghamton for several decades is about to reopen.

The Red Oak Restaurant at 305 Front Street in the First Ward closed its doors in October 2020.

Michael Kapogiannatos and Julianne Ludka had operated the eatery for about 35 years before they decided to retire.. Kapogiannatos died in July 2021.

Loyal Red Oak customers had been shocked by the closing of the diner in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. But they were delighted with the news last fall that Peter Kapogiannatos had decided to reopen the business.

Kapogiannatos said working at the Red Oak "was all I ever knew." He said he "always felt I had a responsibility to honor what my dad had built."

Kapogiannatos told WNBF News on Monday that he's been busy getting the place ready in recent months. He said he plans to reopen the restaurant on April 2.

Kapogiannatos said he "grew up" in the Red Oak, recalling that he started operating the cash register when he was about seven years old. As he walked through the diner, he said "I missed this place."

The restaurant is expected to be open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will operate fewer hours Sunday through Tuesday, likely closing around 3 p.m. those days.

Kapogiannatos said he wants "to keep the old school Red Oak feel" in the diner. He said many things people enjoyed at the restaurant in the past will return. He's looking forward to creating pastries, pies and customized cheesecakes.

VIDEO: Check out the "inside story" at the Red Oak on Front Street in Binghamton.

KEEP SCROLLING to see the Red Oak restaurant gallery originally posted by WNBF News in January 2022.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.