New Airport Diner Honors Chautauqua County’s Rich Aviation History
Jamestown Airport in Chautauqua County is about to welcome a new addition to its list of businesses – Archie’s Airport Diner. The full-service diner, owned by Matthew Newton, is set to open in March and will serve breakfast and lunch while paying tribute to the county’s aviation heritage.
Family, Food, and Flight – these are the three things that inspired Matt to open Archie’s Diner. The Newton family has a long history of aviation in Chautauqua County, dating back to the 1920s. Matt’s great-grandfather, Archie Sr. , was a WACO plane dealer and ran a flight school at Falconer Field. His grandfather, Archie Jr. , received his pilot’s license at Jamestown Airport in 1940 and went on to become a pilot for Pan Am. During World War II, he joined the CNAC and flew over 100 missions over the “Hump” in dangerous conditions. Matt’s father, Douglas, also had a career in aviation as a member of the Airforce, where he played a vital role in keeping the planes and crew safe.
Matt himself has a passion for food and has extensive experience in the restaurant industry. The menu at Archie’s Diner will be “diner-centric,” featuring hearty breakfast options and homestyle lunches. They will also have a variety of “grab and go” breakfast sandwiches and lunch specialties. Matt says that being able to watch planes while making food is a dream come true, especially since he also received his pilot’s license at Jamestown Airport, just like his grandfather.
Archie’s Diner plans to obtain a liquor license by summer and will also host special dinners and fun fly-in events with the best views in the county. County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. is excited about this development and believes that Archie’s Diner not only honors the county’s aviation history but also brings new energy, jobs, and opportunities to the airport and the surrounding community.
The walls of Archie’s Diner will be adorned with historic memorabilia, paying tribute to local aviation pioneers who have played a significant role in shaping the skies over Chautauqua County. John Machemer, Deputy Director of Public Facilities, believes that Matt’s passion, vision, and commitment to preserving aviation history while creating a vibrant dining experience is exactly what they want to see at the airport. He sees this as a positive step forward for the community and the airport’s future.
The grand opening of Archie’s Airport Diner will be announced soon, and interested individuals can follow their Facebook page for updates, opening dates, and event announcements. The new diner is a welcome addition to the Chautauqua County Airport, and Matt’s enthusiasm and dedication to honoring the county’s aviation history through his business are commendable.