Lollipops Diner back in business

From the Queens Chronicle:

At about 1 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2008 a convicted arsonist, Michael Trantel, 42, broke into the diner, stole cigarettes and then lit newspapers on fire to cover his tracks. But surveillance video showed Trantel outside the restaurant, entering from the front and leaving from the rear.

He was arrested a week later and eventually admitted his guilt. Trantel is now serving a seven- to 14-year prison term.

Lollipops was destroyed and four other stores were damaged. All have since reopened at the shopping center on the Cross Island Parkway service road at 14th Avenue.