Retroplanet Products: EAT Signs and the American Diners

“EAT” Signs and the American Diners

“EAT” signs are an exciting recent addition to the Retroplanet.com product lineup. They include a variety of signs, just like the ones that were used in diners in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Signs like these were sprinkled along the length of Route 66 and all over the rest of the country in the heyday of the American diner. The popularity of diners and lunch counters peaked in the post-WWII era of the 1950s and is enjoying a resurgence of popularity today.

It stands to reason that the use of single-word signs in all capital letters developed out of a desire to capture the attention of drivers passing by in their cars. The message had to be short and sweet—sweet enough to entice hungry travelers to stop in and have a bite. Words like “DINER” and “EAT” were a welcome beacon to people on the road, possibly unfamiliar with the area and looking for a place to eat. The diner became known as a place where you could get a delicious, home-style cooked meal and at a decent price.

What began as a practical way of advertising roadside diners, in later years served to inspire artists of the Pop generation. Probably the most notable among the artists influenced by diner “EAT” signs is Robert Indiana. His first public commission was for an installment at the New York pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing, New York. For this, he created the word “EAT” with 18-foot high letters. (Ironically, the sign, covered in lightbulbs, had to be shut off while on display at the fair. It was attracting too many hungry tourists that believed the sign was advertising a place to eat, rather than being a piece of art.) Indiana is best known for his very famous one-word icon, the work titled “LOVE”. First created for a Christmas card for use by the Museum of Modern Art in 1964, this Pop image also appeared on U.S. postage stamps in 1973.

This trend that favors simplicity and practicality is being rediscovered today. Diner enthusiasts and lovers of all that is retro are displaying the “EAT” sign once again. For your own tribute to the diner, be sure to browse our EAT signs in the Retro Diner Signs category. We hope you have a lot of fun recreating this retro look that recalls a great time in our country’s history. And we hope you have an even better time enjoying your great diner-inspired décor.