It’s time for some R&R for R&S.
After 75 years in business, the popular homey-atmosphere diner on Bethlehem Pike on the edge of Sellersville called R&S Keystone Diner is closing for good Thursday, according to owner Jo Ann Kerr, who trained her craft at the Culinary Institute of America.
Kerr posted a note to her clientele at the diner and shared to Facebook: “To thank all of our loyal & steady customers, I will be having a customer ‘Thank You’ day on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 2:00 – 7:00 PM”
R&S Keystone started with Kerr’s parents, Clarence “Butch” and Thelma Ruth, who opened their first diner in 1948 in Hatfield on Route 309. R&S was purchased on Old Bethlehem Pike and opened in 1960, according to The Morning Call.
If you did not know, the R&S stands for Ruth & Smith, who were Kerr’s dad and his business partner.
“My dad always believed in serving the truckers,” said Kerr in 1987. “When he rebuilt the first restaurant farther back from the road but still at the same location, he made sure the parking lot was big enough to accommodate tractor- trailers. He knew that people figure a restaurant is good if truckers eat there.”
R&S Keystone’s menu over the years featured favorites like oven roasted turkey with filling and giblet gravy, broiled brook trout, sirloin steak, and deep-fried deviled clams.
In 1987, a Morning Call food critic glorified R&S Keystone Restaurant’s fare:
“Fancy food lovers who must have gourmet entrees with elaborate French names will not find happiness here. The diner is unpretentious. The owner seeks only to serve quality food at very reasonable prices – a goal she has achieved. Those who seek hearty fare with home-cooked flavor will give the establishment an A+.”
According to customers, R&S Keystone was a place where a line was expected to form every night from Wednesday to Saturday, but the wait was never more than 10 minutes or so.
Kerr, who carried on her parents’ tradition, would serve quality meals and even catered to customers’ special needs or requests. At her side were her brother Mark and manager David Freed.
Kerr and her crew celebrated 70 years in 2018 with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Bob Kelly of “Good Day Philadelphia,” as seen in The Reporter.
One of the former cooks showed up to the ceremony – Antje Yocum, who worked there from ages 19 to 71, leaving in 2012.
“Time goes fast,” she told The Reporter. “But then, everybody’s in the same boat.”
Customers expressed their love for the diner on various Facebook posts on the diner’s page.
“I’m sure I won’t get there, but I can’t tell you how many times we ate there after church when I was growing up!” wrote Tami Gerber. “The good old days. When the ramp line was fast and the food was slower but the staff made it the best!” wrote Pelly Roja.
For now, customers will just have to get scrapple at Roy Ann Diner up the street. Roy Ann expressed its gratitude to Kerr and honored R&S Keystone Diner for its years in business.
On May 10, the Roy Ann Diner’s owner clarified on Facebook it was not sold or closing, but understood R&S was under contract to be sold.
“However, if this is their last week, we here at Roy Ann Diner and personally from the entire Smith family wish Joanne & Dennis a heartfelt thank you for all you have provided to the community over the last 75 years!” they wrote. “We wish you Godspeed in whatever you choose in your life's journey.”
The fate of the building is unconfirmed, but customers have shared their rumors with one another. Some say it will become a medical facility for Abington Health, and others claim it will be a Grand View Hospital medical facility. A few more claim Landis Market will take it over.
Whatever its future holds, the business has given people great memories of good food.
Check, please.
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