History

Haven Bros Diner was founded in 1893 by widowed immigrant Anne Philomena Haven with the proceeds from her husband Patrick’s life insurance policy. She ran a horse-drawn lunch wagon that served workers at the bustling factories of Providence, Rhode Island. The lunch wagon quickly became a popular spot for hungry workers, and Anne Haven continued to operate it for many years.

In the 1930s, Haven Bros expanded into a fleet of lunch wagons, which were strategically located throughout Providence to serve different neighborhoods. The lunch wagons became a beloved part of the community and were known for their affordable prices and delicious food.

In the 1950s, Haven Bros purchased a vintage 1946 Worcester lunch wagon, which was converted into the iconic silver diner trailer that still operates today. The trailer was outfitted with all of the latest amenities, including a grill, fryer, and soda fountain, and quickly became a popular spot for late-night diners.

First generation immigrant Saverio “Sal” Giusti worked for a chemical company, but when it relocated, he needed a new gig. Giusti took a leap and bought the diner in 1986, making him only the third owner since Anne Haven herself. Much of the city’s history was lost in transformation during The Providence Renaissance in the late 1990s, a period of re-invention and marketing of the capital city. The Haven Bros Diner was almost scrubbed away, but public outcry and the deft leadership of the Giusti Family saved it.

Haven Brothers has long been at the heart of the city, and our influence continues to grow. We launched our mobile catering division in order to bring the flavor of downtown Providence beyond the city’s limits. Our fleet of food trucks carries the best of what Haven Brothers has to offer to your private event. We even have an ice cream truck, making us hands down the coolest mobile catering service around.

Over the years, Haven Brothers has become a beloved institution in Providence, known for its classic American diner fare and its late-night hours. The diner has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times and Gourmet Magazine, and has been visited by countless celebrities and politicians. Today, Haven Brothers continues to operate as a family-owned business, and its legacy lives on as one of the oldest continuously operating lunch wagons in the United States.