Gloucester Twp. Diner To Reopen After Series Of Fires

Meadows Diner will reopen after addressing neon lighting issues that caused multiple fires.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Meadows Diner in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, will reopen on Friday after being closed for two weeks due to a series of small fires caused by issues with the diner's neon lighting. The diner temporarily shut down to replace the neon lights with safer LED lighting, which was recommended by fire marshals after investigating the root cause of the fires.

Why it matters

Diner fires can pose serious safety risks and lead to costly business disruptions. The Meadows Diner incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper lighting and electrical systems in older restaurants and the need for business owners to quickly address any fire hazards to protect their employees, customers, and property.

The details

According to Chris Coraluzzi, the diner's director of operations, the fires were caused by issues with the neon lighting that was installed under previous ownership. The recent cold weather exacerbated the problem, leading to three fires since September, one of which injured a firefighter who was treated and released from the hospital. The diner temporarily closed to replace the neon lights with LED lighting, which is safer and less prone to fire hazards.

  • The first fire occurred in September 2025.
  • The second fire happened on February 3, 2026.
  • The third fire, which injured a firefighter, also occurred on February 3, 2026.
  • Meadows Diner will reopen on Friday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Meadows Diner

A diner located in Gloucester Township, New Jersey that temporarily closed due to a series of fires caused by issues with its neon lighting.

Chris Coraluzzi

The director of operations at Meadows Diner, who provided details about the fires and the diner's plans to reopen.

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What they’re saying

“With the help of the fire marshals, we were able to get the actual root cause of the situation, and it's now in the process of being fixed.”

— Chris Coraluzzi, Director of Operations (Patch.com)

What’s next

The diner will reopen on Friday, February 12, 2026 after replacing the neon lighting with safer LED lighting.

The takeaway

The Meadows Diner incident underscores the importance of proactive maintenance and safety upgrades, especially for older restaurants with aging electrical and lighting systems. By quickly addressing the root cause of the fires, the diner was able to minimize disruptions and reopen promptly, demonstrating the value of a swift and responsible response to potential safety hazards.