# Zoto's Diner Closes After 53 Years

> Zoto's Diner ends 53-year run in Hatfield as Sheetz seeks new store at site.
- Title: Zoto's Diner Closes After 53 Years · PhillyVoice | Shortify
- Summary: Zoto's Diner ends 53-year run in Hatfield as Sheetz seeks new store at site. Zoto's Diner closes after 53 years in Hatfield Township as Sheetz seeks approval…
- Keywords: zotos diner, sheetz, hatfield township, montgomery county, diner closure, convenience store, route 309, news, local, Zoto's, Diner, Closes
- Source: PhillyVoice — https://phillyvoice.com/zotos-diner-closing-hatfield-sheetz-store-montgomery-county
- Published: 2026-10-19T17:15:43.258+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: zotos diner, sheetz, hatfield township, montgomery county, diner closure, convenience store, route 309, news, local
## Zoto's Diner closes after 53 years
Zoto's Diner will serve its final customers on Sunday, Oct. 25, after 53 years in Hatfield Township.
## Sheetz seeks approval for new store
Sheetz is seeking approval to build a new convenience store and gas station at the Zoto's property on Route 309 in Montgomery County.
## Zoto family opened diner in 1973
Brothers Steve and Nick Zoto opened Zoto's Diner in the Line Lexington section of Hatfield Township in 1973.
## Diner built by Fodero Dining Car Company
The diner was constructed in the early 1970s by the Fodero Dining Car Company, a New Jersey-based manufacturer.
## Zoto's Diner added banquet space in 1980s
A space for banquets was added to Zoto's Diner in the 1980s, and the restaurant banned smoking in the 1990s.
## Longtime chef John 'Yanni' Karistinos joined in 1983
Longtime chef John 'Yanni' Karistinos joined Zoto's Diner in 1983 and has led the kitchen ever since.
## Sheetz seeks liquor license and land approval
Sheetz has been working to secure a liquor license and land development approval for a convenience store at the Zoto's property.
## Hatfield Board approved liquor license transfer
The Hatfield Board of Commissioners approved the transfer of a liquor license for Sheetz to operate at the Zoto's site in July.
## Planning commission recommends approval
The township's planning commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of Sheetz's proposal later in the summer.
## Sheetz needs final approvals for construction
Sheetz still needs final approvals from the township, Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and PennDOT to build the store.
## Sheetz has opened stores in Limerick Township
Sheetz opened its first store in Limerick Township in February and is pursuing new stores in Downingtown and Chadds Ford.
## Zoto's owners thank staff for years of service
Zoto's owners thanked their staff for years of service, saying they couldn't have done it without them.
## Key takeaway

Zoto's Diner closes after 53 years in Hatfield Township as Sheetz seeks approval for a new convenience store at the site.