The single-storey Sunshine Diner stands at 7 Brookmount Street in the heart of Sunshine Gardens.
Heritage Value
May 24 was a date which carried considerable significance for Robert H. Simpson, Roy Wallace, and Lawrence Wallace. Serving in the 8th Canadian Hussars Tank Corps of the Canadian Army during World War II, these men made a pact to open a business together if they survived the War. They laid these plans on May 24th, 1943 and this date became an important anniversary in the lives of all three men.
After the War and upon their return to Fredericton, these partners purchased the Aula Service Station in Sunshine Gardens, opening for business on May 24, 1946. Two years later, on the same date, they expanded the business to include a grocery line. However, these War veterans made their mark in the commercial industry with the establishment of Vet’s Groceteria, with a grand opening on May 24, 1950. The partners capitalized on the growing groceteria trend, a combination grocery store and cafeteria counter. This business was not only on the cutting edge, but would serve as a model for other groceterias. In 1954, Vet’s Groceteria appeared on the cover of a trade magazine and its exterior design inspired a Vancouver groceteria to adopt a similar exterior style. Because of the demands of a successful and popular business, the partners expanded the premises in 1957, reopening on May 24th of that year.
The former Vet’s Groceteria continues in business as the Sunshine Diner. While greatly altered from its original exterior streamlined design over the years, it is still an icon after more than half a century of service in the local community.
Character-Defining Elements:
The character-defining elements identified for the Sunshine Diner include;
- Single-storey structure
- Flat roof, surmounted with prominent signage
- Open span large room inside
- Basic front façade with large tapering window openings
- Siting at the periphery of a new post-war suburban housing development, with a side parking lot for clients