Located between newly built rings 1 and 2 of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, Roger’s Diner is the second restaurant unveiled on the property. Construction of the diner was completed May 3.

Although nestled within the heart of the Tryon Equestrian Center, spokesperson Kim Hough estimates that 90 percent of customers are from the surrounding area, and not direct patrons of the TIEC .

The restaurant is open to the public seven days a week. Operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays the diner is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Roger’s Diner was dedicated by TIEC owner Mark Bellissimo and project partner, and long time friend, Roger Smith.  The diner borrows its 1950s motif from the Crossroads Grill in Taylorsville, N. C., a restaurant Smith and Bellissimo frequented together.

Despite being set 60 years in the past, the menu is updated to modern standards. Along with the staple foods of the era such as burgers and malted milkshakes, the restaurant offers gluten-free, vegetarian and dairy-free options.

The Legend’s Club Grille, in addition to Blue Ginger, a sushi themed restaurant, will soon join the existing Tryon Café and Roger’s Diner to cap off the Tryon International Equestrian Center’s immediate restaurant options.

In close proximity to the diner are multiple gift shops, as well as an open area used for the resort’s “Saturday Night Lights” events. This free admission event takes place on most Saturdays throughout the summer and begins at 5 p.m. Horse competition commences at 6:30 p.m.

Attractions include kid’s activities, live bands, street performers and a carousel. The remaining Saturday Night Lights event dates for the year are May 30, June 6, June 27, July 4, July 11 and July 18.