"Red Robin Diner" Replacement to Open Soon in Johnson City

A new restaurant in the former Red Robin Diner building in Johnson City is expected to open soon.

The Red Robin had been a landmark eatery on Main Street in the village for more than six decades. The business closed its doors in January 2021.

Taimoor Khan acquired the property for $210,000 last June. The town of Binghamton man has said he is "very excited" about his plans to redevelop the old diner.

Khan acknowledged the place would be a lot different than the iconic Red Robin. For one thing, he said the new establishment would have seating for 24 people. The old diner could accommodate 60 customers. He also said LED lighting would be added along with new appliances.

A sign posted at the former Red Robin Diner on April 3, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Although Khan had declined to reveal the name of the future business, that mystery was solved with the posting of signs on the diner building indicating that "8-Bit Bites" will be "coming soon."

According to the 8-Bit Bites website, two of its restaurants now are open in Brooklyn. It lists the site at 268 Main Street in Johnson City as one of three locations set to open soon.

8-Bit Bites is describes as a "100% Halal restaurant that brings the nostalgia of the 80's and 90's."

Renovation work continues at the old Red Robin Diner building in Johnson City. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Food offerings include smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, wings, fries and shakes.

The website adds that 8-Bit Bites restaurants "welcome you to our retro ambiance with LED ceiling lights." Patrons are encouraged to "find a seat and play free games from PacMan to Marvel vs Capcom" while dining.

Khan told WNBF News Wednesday afternoon that things are going well in setting up the restaurant. He said "we've made a lot of progress over the last few months."

Khan said the first 8-Bit Bites location in Brooklyn opened last September. The second location recently began operations.

Khan said the Johnson City restaurant will be open seven days a week. He said it initially will have about four or five employees. He hopes the place will be ready for customers in early June.

The closed Red Robin Diner on July 15, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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