The Bliss Building in downtown Albuquerque that houses the historic Lindy’s Diner was put on the market in late March for $1.275 million.
Owners Steve and Dawn Vatoseow told the Albuquerque Journal that though business is good at the landmark restaurant, they are ready to retire.
The diner will remain open while it’s for sale.
The Vatoseows also put the property on the market in 2024, but they didn’t receive any serious offers at the time.
Vatoseow said the upstairs level of the Bliss Building offers a similar opportunity for revitalization. As a former hotel, the space comes with 22 rooms “screaming to be developed into condos or apartments,” especially with Downtown’s need for more housing, Vatoseow said.
In addition to Lindy’s, the 12,859-square-foot building’s bottom level is also occupied by two apartments and two art galleries.
If the building sells, the future of these spaces is up to the new owner, Vatoseow said. If the new owner wanted to continue a restaurant in the Lindy’s space, Vatoseow said he’d be open to sharing recipes for some of the diner’s best sellers, but that he would likely retire the Lindy’s name.
NAI SunVista is listing the building, which dates to 1906. One of its selling points is “prime Route 66 frontage in the heart of Downtown.”
Lindy’s originally opened as the Coney Island Cafe in 1929. It became Lindy’s Diner in 1960.
(Image of Lindy’s Diner in Albuquerque by Tony Hisgett via Flickr)