Business & Tech

Plato's Diner Honored by Maryland Comptroller

Peter Franchot dropped in Friday to the College Park eatery, which has been feeding hungry locals and college kids since 1994.

Plato's Diner, normally a haunt for hungry college kids and loyal College Park locals, was the scene of a ceremonial visit on Friday by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.

Franchot praised the diner as a staple of College Park life and an example of the positive impact small businesses can have.

"Small businesses are the heart and soul of the Maryland economy," Franchot said.

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Prince George's County Councilman Eric Olson, a regular at Plato's, said it was the go-to place to eat nearby.

"If you want to see anyone in College Park, you come here," Olson said.

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Though Plato's opened in 1994, it was previously a Bob's Big Boy and an original Howard Johnson, so the space has been serving breakfast to College Park since 1963, owner Tony Akaras said.

There were very few diners in College Park at the time Plato's opened, Akaras said, and the location was ideal with the University of Maryland nearby.

Arakas said he has plans for another restaurant in College Park, but is waiting to reveal the details.


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