Historic Gotham City Diner in Bergen County Sold
Bergen County home builder Elayan Elayan has purchased the Gotham City Diner in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The new owner, a managing partner of MAJ Hospitality, plans to transform the landmark into a new establishment, with details yet to be announced.
The Gotham City Diner, a Ridgefield, New Jersey fixture known for its Batman mural, closed its doors on March 1, 2026, after 34 years in business. The diner was originally opened in 1992 as the Waterfalls Diner by owner George Matthews, who changed the name in 2002. Matthews' family has a long history in the New Jersey diner business, starting with a luncheonette in Newark in the 1960s. The new owner, Mahmoud "Mike" Elayan, is a Bergen County home builder who frequented the diner with his family for nearly a decade. Elayan, who runs ECS Homes, recalls a specific corner table where his family had their usual orders of London broil, Greek salad wraps, and chocolate chip pancakes. This personal connection influenced his decision to purchase the property. The new establishment will be named Novu, a Sicilian word meaning new or original. Elayan's vision for Novu is a restaurant offering American classics with a modern twist, with a strong emphasis on brunch and all-day breakfast. While the exterior of the building will be modified, the interior is set for a complete redesign. The Fair Lawn location of the Gotham City Diner, which opened in 2008, will remain in operation.
