PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Popular “Tom’s Diner” on the South Side is no longer “Tom’s Diner.”

The 1700-block of East Carson is known for Penny’s Diner?

Penny Folino took over for her father, Tom Petropoulos, who is now retired.

“Penny’s Diner in McMurray was the first one,” she said. “We went to a concept where it’s all fresh made from scratch, more reasonably-priced food. So it’s a finer diner.”

Her chain of seven restaurants extends to Morgantown, W. Va. Folino’s on the South Side will soon be Penny’s Glass House Bistro. But one name won’t change.

The family’s original restaurant opened in Dormont 30 years ago. Unlike the other ones, it will always be Tom’s Diner.

The former Penny Petropoulos got her start when she was 12.

“You know, I did everything,” she recalled. “I waited on the customers and I cooked their food and I washed the dishes – everything, from beginning to end.”

Though the South Side diner is Tom’s no longer, Penny’s is ready to serve.

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Penny’s Diner
Tom’s Diner

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