The Peach Pit is a fixture in ÒBeverly Hills, 90210.Ó Dalts Classic American Diner will soon be a fixture in Athens, 45701.

Unfortunately for all the Brandon Walshes and Kelly Taylors out there, Dalts wonÕt be open for about another month.

The all-night dinerÕs grand opening was delayed because final state approval was not received as early as the dinerÕs three co-investors had expected.

However, Michael Steen, Matt Rapposelli and Mike Baker did receive the stateÕs approval Monday.

The diner was built in Florida and is being stored there. It will be hoisted above the Secure Parking Lot and will face Court Street.

ÒThe delay is no oneÕs fault,Ó said Steen, who owns PerkÕs Coffee House and Roastery, 49 S. Court St. ÒYou never know how long these things are going to take. Unfortunately, it took longer than we had expected.Ó

The new target date for the grand opening is early October. However, the opening depends on how quickly the city approves the plans.

ÒThe city is allowed 30 days to approve the plans,Ó said Chuck Miller, an official with the Athens Code Enforcement Department. Ò(Steen) has done a lot of the preliminary work already; heÕs covered all the bases. And I donÕt see anything getting in the way of the process. So it really shouldnÕt take more than 72 hours for the city to approve the plans.Ó

The code enforcement department will look at the grease traps, the sewer systems, water lines and the foundation on which the steel beams will be erected.

Once the city approves the project, the construction on Court Street can begin, Steen said. The diner will open its doors seven to 10 days after Dalts arrives from Florida.

Special events are planned for the opening, Steen said. There will be VIP parties to which local business people, investors, administrators and athletic department officials will be invited.

The 65-seat diner will offer customers a plethora of food from a 48-item menu, which will be available not only for dining in, but also for take-out.

ÒDiners are very hot right now,Ó Steen said. ÒThey seem like the new wave, especially on the East Coast.Ó