‘A great, long run’: After 43 years, this beloved greasy spoon near Kendall is closed
No more giant, fluffy omelets served with a side of hash browns, buttery toast — and sass — in dark, sticky, cramped booths.
Pinecrest’s favorite diner, Wagons West, is closed, as of Oct. 20.
In the window is a final notice of eviction next to a whiteboard sign that breaks the bad news: “Sorry folks; 43 wonderful years of great food, friends and our handsome Wally. We’ll [miss] you all.”
“Handsome Wally,” as locals will probably know, is owner/co-founder Walter Muench, 76. He’s been front and center since the beginning, ringing up checks, telling jokes and even cooking on occasion.
Last year, the German native told the Miami Herald the key to bringing in so many regulars, who had no problem waiting outside on long lines in the scorching heat:
“Give people good food with good service at a reasonable price... and never compromise on the product,” he said. “If you make something you can’t eat yourself, don’t serve it. There’s no secret formula.”
So what happened? You don’t need an economics degree to figure that out.
Muench and his since retired older brother Steve opened the homey hole in the wall at the Suniland Shopping Center when rent was just $900. Last summer it was hovering around the $16,000 mark. That’s when Wally tried to sell the strip mall joint, with no success.
Under a post announcing the closing on the neighborhood’s NextDoor app, lots of former patrons (likely jonesing for a slice of the signature meatloaf) expressed their displeasure. Among the many comments:
“It was a greasy spoon, but we loved it.”
“Absolutely a lifetime of wonderful memories.”
“Sorry to see this ... it was a landmark.”
And this from a realist: “I am glad they had a great, long run. Unfortunately, in capitalism, success means that properties and rents will rise and marginal businesses fail.”
As for Wally? The divorced father of three grown sons will be staying in town for the time being, but don’t look for another restaurant from him in this lifetime.
“It just didn’t work out; it was an uphill battle,” he said on Thursday. “My kids told me, ‘It’s time to retire, pop.’ So I’m listening to them. I’m going to take it day by day. Right now my big plan for the day is to get a haircut. I got time now.”
The owner also gave a shout-out to his “exceptional” staff and loyal customers over the years.
“I couldn’t have done it without you.”
This story was originally published October 26, 2023 at 2:50 PM.
