This NJ Diner Leans Into Its Horror Movie History

WARREN COUNTY, NJ — When hockey mask-wearing slashers need a break from killing promiscuous camp counselors, they might stop into the Blairstown Diner for a cup of joe and a muffin.

The 76-year-old eatery was made famous in 1980, when it was featured in the classic slasher film “Friday the 13th.” It wasn’t until 2020, though, that owner and manager Mike Rumsey marketed the establishment’s movie history, bringing in thousands of hungry horror fans.

Now, customers come from all over the country to enjoy coffee with Jason Voorhees impersonators, meet and greet famous horror actors, and more.

“We started marketing it a little bit (in 2020), but it blew up in the past year,” Rumsey told Patch. “It’s a mix of everybody, it’s kids, all the way up to 50 to 60-year-olds…Every weekend, we have new people coming out who are interested in ‘Friday the 13th.’”

Rumsey credits the massive boost in fans and customers to the production of “Crystal Lake,” a prequel series to the iconic movie, which returned to its Blairstown roots to be filmed.

Rumsey said that as it was being filmed, “everybody wanted everything to do with Jason,” and the diner was happy to deliver.

Last week, the diner held a “Coffee with Jason” event. Foodies and horror lovers alike got the opportunity to take photos with the masked killer. A similar “Milkshakes with Jason” event is slated for Oct. 18 from 12 to 4 p.m.

Merchandise

Horror fans can also buy loads of Blairstown Diner merchandise, from mugs to hoodies, featuring the iconic diner and the iconic slasher it’s associated with.

The establishment even has its own coffee, with a “Friday the 13th” twist — “Summer Camp Blend” and “Camp Caramel Lake.”

You can also try the diner’s own “Salt, Pepper, Ketchup Hot Sauce,” which depicts Jason Voorhees eating a breakfast sandwich on the bottle.

Click here to check out diner swag.

Halloween Events

This Saturday, the diner will host a special Halloween party, followed by “Jason’s House of Horror” haunted diner walkthrough.

The Halloween party, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will feature vendors, live entertainment, a pet costume contest, and more, with “Jason’s House of Horror” going from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are available online here.

The event will also feature a meet and greet with Lauren Marie Taylor, a scream queen known for her roles in “Friday the 13th Part 2,” “In A Violent Nature,” and more.

Aside from all the horror aspects of the diner, it remains just that, a diner. The large menu offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Click here to learn more about the Blairstown Diner, located at 53 NJ-94 in Blairstown.