WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn — 24-hour establishments, once a staple of New York City, have long been disappearing. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt a severe blow to many of them. Even some legendary late-night eateries that managed to stay open, like Cafeteria in Chelsea or Veselka in the East Village, have significantly cut back their hours and now shut down between 10pm and 1am.
Kellogg’s Diner, a historic 97-year-old establishment in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has largely survived, despite facing some challenges.
Founded in 1928, Kellogg’s Diner has changed ownership several times over the years. Most recently, it was taken over by Louis Skibar and co-owner Nico Arze after the previous owners declared bankruptcy in 2023.
Their goal was to return Kellogg’s to its former glory and cement it as a hotspot for every kind of patron at any time, whether it be families looking for a quick breakfast or revelers looking for an indulgent late-night snack.
After the purchase, Arze, along with with Matthew Maddy, spearheaded renovations to refresh and modernize the interior. Meanwhile, Jackie Carnesi, formerly of Nura in Greenpoint, was brought in to head the kitchen as Executive Chef and reinvigorate the menu with a nod to her Texan roots.
Approximately two months after opening, in November 2024, Kellogg’s officially returned to 24-hour service.
On this episode of “Night Shift,” peek behind the curtain of an overnight shift at Kellogg’s – from a long-distance couple enjoying a midnight date to roommates convening a house meeting at 4am, to the staff who sometimes provide entertainment, sometimes play therapist but always come alive during the late night hours.
Check out the video above to watch the full episode and visit Kellogg’s Diner at 518 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
“Night Shift” is a series from ABC Localish taking you behind the scenes of an overnight shift at the best late-night establishments across New York City, celebrating everyone from the chefs behind them to the staff who work them to the diners who love them.
