Red Arrow Diner Keeps 24-Hour Service Alive Amid Nationwide Decline

The historic Red Arrow Diner, which opened in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1922, now runs four 24-hour locations under the joint ownership of Amanda Wihby and George Lawrence. While Yelp reports an 11% national decline in round-the-clock restaurants between January 2020 and January 2025, with notable closures in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, a few cities such as Baltimore, Salt Lake City and Key West have seen growth. Labor shortages, a shift toward less late-night drinking, and rising food-service costs have pressured the model, yet the diners continue to serve a mixed overnight clientele, including emergency workers, third-shift staff and bar-goers.

Pandemic orders forced temporary shutdowns of three sites, but all four have since resumed nonstop service. Wihby credits loyal employees, long-standing vendors, and a community-focused atmosphere for the chain’s resilience, noting that regulars even include figures like Adam Sandler’s father and former presidential candidates.