Traverse City Diner Lives on in Country Song

Twelve years have passed since Traverse City’s JP’s Hard Luck Diner closed its doors, with the man behind it passing away in 2022 and the building now housing a real estate office. Nevertheless, the memory of this iconic eatery will endure through a recent country song penned by renowned artist Ryan Hurd. Entitled “JP’s Hard Luck Diner, Permanently Closed,” the song tells a quirky tale about the once-thriving Traverse City establishment, even though Hurd confesses he never had the chance to visit the actual diner.

Famed as both a country songwriter and artist, Ryan Hurd has made a name for himself within Nashville’s music scene. Nevertheless, Hurd remains a true Michigan native at heart, having grown up in Kalamazoo and drawing inspiration from his home state for his latest album, “Midwest Rock & Roll.” Packed with nostalgic country tunes flavored with reminiscences of Michigan winters, lighthouse-illuminated summer evenings, and small-town romances, Hurd’s new album pays homage to his roots.

Initially left off the original release of “Midwest Rock & Roll,” “JP’s Hard Luck Diner, Permanently Closed” found its way onto the deluxe edition of the album due to its Michigan-centric storyline. Drawn to the ironic twist of fate surrounding JP’s Hard Luck Diner following a visit to Traverse City in 2023, Hurd seized upon the song’s unique setting.

The inspiration for the track struck Hurd during a stay in Traverse City near Front Street, where he stumbled upon JP’s Hard Luck Diner listed as permanently closed. Intrigued by the paradox implied in the diner’s name, Hurd found the closure to be poetic and decided to craft a song around it.

Collaborating with fellow country singer-songwriter Carter Faith, Hurd co-wrote the song despite being unfamiliar with the restaurant’s history or reason for its closure. The track resonated strongly with past and present Traverse Citians, with messages pouring in from individuals reminiscing about their fond experiences at JP’s. Among these messages was one from Ellen Pellar, daughter of the diner’s namesake, Joe Pellar, who shared her mix of amusement and emotions upon hearing the song.

Reflecting on her father’s legacy and the establishment’s closure following his passing in 2022, Ellen shared tales of JP’s lasting impact on Traverse City’s breakfast scene. Describing her father’s devoted clientele and unique cooking style, Ellen highlighted JP’s selection of loyal patrons, from city officials to blue-collar workers, who frequented his establishments over two decades.

Having started his culinary journey at Ham-Bonz before branching out with Hard Luck Café in the early 2000s, Joe Pellar eventually established JP’s Hard Luck Diner, a beloved spot known for its all-night diner concept. Despite the closure marking the end of an era for Traverse City’s dining landscape, Ryan Hurd’s song has brought a flood of memories for Ellen, reminiscing about her time working alongside her father at JP’s.

Grateful for the overwhelming support and warmth shown by Traverse City residents for “JP’s Hard Luck Diner, Permanently Closed,” Ryan Hurd expressed interest in performing the song in the town that inspired it. Envisioning a future Cherry Fest appearance in Traverse City, Hurd’s song serves as a testament to the lasting legacy of the diner that continues to resonate with the city’s inhabitants.