Farewell to a Milford Icon: The Bridgeport Flyer Diner and the Memories It Leaves Behind
For decades, the Bridgeport Flyer Diner was a well-known landmark just up the hill from the center of Devon, serving good food at a fair price and becoming a familiar gathering place in the community.
My connection to the diner goes back to 1965 when I first met Perry Kokenos, who started it all. Before the diner, the site was home to an A&W Root Beer stand, a popular stop for a cold drink on a hot summer day. When Perry and his family, including his son Dennis, opened the Bridgeport Flyer, they created a place that became part of Milford’s everyday life.
Over the years, the diner was always busy. Families, friends, and regulars filled the booths, celebrating sports wins, catching up over coffee, or just enjoying a meal in a comfortable, familiar setting. It became more than just a restaurant—it was a piece of the community’s identity.
As Milford continues to evolve, so do its businesses. After decades of running a 24/7 restaurant, the Kokenos family made the difficult but understandable decision to step away. With other priorities—grandchildren, travel, and life beyond the restaurant industry—they chose to close this chapter.
With the property available, longtime real estate icon Arnold Peck was involved in finding its next purpose. The site was first explored by multiple restaurateurs, but ultimately, another path took shape. Given the increasing need for housing in Milford, the location and accessibility made it a strong candidate for residential development. Several interested parties stepped forward with plans for apartments, leading to a transition that reflects the area's changing needs.
While the
Bridgeport Flyer Diner will be missed, its impact on the community remains. The Kokenos family shared in the bittersweetness of closing, just as so many longtime patrons did. Though its doors have closed, the memories made there will last, and new ones will take shape as the site moves forward in its next chapter.
