Copyright © Mels Diner
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Mels Diner at the Sands Casino in Reno, NV is a popular local chain known for its nostalgic retro atmosphere. Open 24/7, Mels Diner serves classic 50s-style diner food, such as burgers, fries, milkshakes, homestyle entrees, and breakfast. Its walls are adorned with memorabilia of artists from the past, and a vintage-style jukebox blasts old tunes.

Mels originally began as Mels Drive-Ins, a car hop eatery, in 1947. The first unit was built by David “Mel” Weiss and Harold Dobbs, and one unit quickly turned into eleven. After growing to more than 35 restaurants and achieving much success in the Bay Area, Mels Drive-Ins sold in 1972. Then in 1985, David “Mel” Weiss held a grand re-opening of Mels Drive-In with his son, Steven Weiss. After some time, an agreement was eventually reached that David would continue as “The Original Mels” and Steven would proceed as “Mels Drive-Ins.”

The Original Mels has currently grown to 22 restaurants throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada. Many of its locations have been used for film and television productions, including:

• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
• American Graffiti (1973)
• Alice (1976)
• Melrose Place (1996 – Season 5, Episode 1)

If you are looking for a classic American diner with a retro atmosphere for your next production, be sure to check out the Original Mels Diner at Sands Casino in Reno! For more information and pictures, you can view the full Mels Diner filming location details here and don’t forget to register your project!

To find more film-friendly locations, be sure to visit our Nevada Filming Locations Database or contact us if you need further assistance with your production!

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