About Us
ABOUT DINER24
Inspired by the beloved 24-hour diner culture that defines the city’s essence, Diner24 emerges as a culinary haven in the heart of New York City. In the wake of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Diner24 aims to revitalize the spirit of the “city that never sleeps” and its bustling restaurant scene.
Drawing inspiration from New York’s iconic diner culture, Diner24 invites patrons to transcend the constraints of traditional dining hours and indulge in classic delights at any time of the day or night. With a menu that reflects the city’s diverse culinary landscape, every dish is a celebration of flavor and comfort. Stratis Morfogen and Philippe Olivier Bondon, innovative entrepreneurs and New York City’s preeminent restaurateurs, join forces to bring Diner24 to life. As co-founders, Morfogen and Bondon combine their unique experiences and accolades to shape every aspect of the 24 hour dining experience. Their shared vision for the restaurant reflects a dedication to honoring New York’s rich culinary history while embracing the evolving tastes and preferences of modern diners.“I believe in the diner experience. Even as many diners close in the City, going against the trend can be a great opportunity in New York,” says Bondon. “New York is still a vibrant, 24/7 city.”
As the visionary behind Diner24, Morfogen has a rich history embedded in diner culture. A third-generation restaurateur and Queens native, Morfogen created the name Diner24 after studying search engine optimization. With a deep understanding of New York City’s dining landscape and its demand for “24 hour diners”, Diner24 supplies New Yorker’s with exactly what they are searching for – a culinary oasis. Located in the trendy Gramercy Park area at 283 Third Avenue and East 22nd Street, food enthusiasts can enjoy a range of dishes while being enveloped in an atmosphere of modern elegance and timeless charm. Dining selections include 24 hour breakfast, vegetarian spreads, “Big Milk Shakes”, hand crafted sandwiches, the renowned 12 oz smash burger, and homemade traditional Greek desserts from the beloved Yia Yia Dinah.
As Diner24 prepares to open its doors in April 2024, guests are invited to celebrate the vibrant spirit of New York City, where every hour is an opportunity to savor life’s finest flavors.
ABOUT STRATIS MORFOGEN:
Stratis Morfogen has been one of the most innovative names in New York City’s hospitality scene for decades. From bringing the famed Fulton Fish Market online in 1997 to pioneering the automat movement with Brooklyn Dumpling Shop to opening a 25,000 square foot venue in Times Square during the pandemic, Morfogen continues to disrupt the status quo. Following in the family tradition, Stratis always knew he would eventually shape the future of the New York hospitality industry. Today, the hard-working third generation Morfogen is flourishing as a restaurateur, partner, and owner of several establishments in New York City – Club Rouge, Gotham City Diner, Seagrill of the Aegean, Hilltop Diner, Kids Kingdom Amusement Park, Aubar, Sessa, The Grand, Ciano w Chef Shea Gallante, Philippe Chow, Jue Lan Club, Brooklyn Chop House, Brooklyn Dumpling Shops, BCH Grocers, etc.
One of Stratis’ most significant marks in the hospitality industry has been creating and developing Philippe with Chef Philippe Chow in 2005 – a chic and sophisticated yet unpretentious Chinese restaurant in the Upper East Side. Today with partner Robert “Pooh” Cummins, Stratis created his most exciting menu and concept to date. The Brooklyn Chop House. A tribute to his father who had 5 Chelsea Chop House restaurants from 1956 to 1985.
In November 2023 Stratis announced his partnership with the famous Sharks, Kevin O’Leary, Matt Higgins, and other impressive investors who have invested in Stratis’s vision or global dominance of the “sandwich dumpling”. In December 2023 the partners announced that Brooklyn Dumpling Shop will go to a RTO at the Canadian Stock Exchange in March 2024. Thrillist has awarded BK Chop House / Best New Restaurant of 2018! Sept 2019 – Newsweek rated BCH as Best Steakhouse in NYC. Entrepreneur Mag – Top Executive to Look out for in 2022. Fast Company – Top 10 “Mover & Shaker” in Fast Casual Industry 2020, 2021, 2022. Franchise Times 40/40 Brooklyn Dumpling Shop selling over 250 franchises in 2 years makes TOP 40 franchises in the USA.
ABOUT PHILIPPE OLIVER BONDON:
Philippe Olivier Bondon, founder of Diner 24 and The Slushie Guys, stands out as one of New York City’s preeminent restaurateurs and a luminary in the hospitality industry. Hailing from Paris, Philippe possesses a discerning palate, an innovative spirit, and a keen business acumen, evident in his successful ventures of over twenty years. Philippe embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with studies at Business School in western France before managing a world-class restaurant on the iconic Champs-Élysées in Paris at just seventeen. His global journey seeking further experience and inspiration included enriching hospitality experiences in Australia and Portugal before co-founding the exclusive “Yacht Club” in St. Barth and partnering with Carole Gruson to launch the acclaimed La Marine restaurant.
In 2010, Philippe made a significant move to New York. Subsequent ventures included the French restaurant MPD and partnering with Michael Weinstein to introduce the specialty brunch club “Day and Night” at the iconic Oak Room Plaza and later in St. Tropez, St. Barth, and Miami. These successes were followed by the opening of the renowned French restaurant Beautique with Weinstein and the Koch Brothers and the collaboration with Frederick Lesort to unveil Rose Hill in 2016. In 2018, he successfully helmed Brooklyn Chop House in the Financial District, growing revenue from five to nine million in less than five years. Additionally, he recently launched The Slushie Guys, a line of fresh frozen cocktail beverages, reflecting his commitment to innovation.
Philippe is not just a restaurateur but a visionary who transforms unexpected spaces into destination venues cherished by New Yorkers. His influence extends beyond the culinary world, with features in esteemed publications such as the New York Times, Goop, New York Post, FOX News, and Business Insider. Beyond the restaurant scene, Philippe, a resident of Wall Street, is an enthusiastic world traveler and accomplished triathlon/marathon athlete, embodying the spirit of a true Renaissance individual.
