The diner was a home away from home for many Americans. It was open 24 hors a day and one could get an inexpensive, filling meal. The first diners were old train dining cars and could be moved to different locations as business ebbed and flowed. The term now represents the type of food establishment and type of food served, particularly American ‘comfort’ food. The diner is an icon of American culture, and almost every city and town has one.