Last May, Marwan Al-Rabie opened the Alpha Diner on Jackson Rd. in Scio Township. It was his long-sought successor to the Alpha Koney Island in the Oak Valley Centre, which he’d operated for seventeen of the restaurant’s thirty years. (Observer, June 2021)

While Al-Rabie was excited to welcome his old customers back, it turned out that many didn’t realize he was in business once more.

In April, Al-Rabie dropped “Diner” from the name, and embraced “Koney Island” once more. Though the sign outside has yet to be updated, the name is now Alpha Koney Ann Arbor.

The main reason for the change was to help his previous customers find him, Al-Rabie emails. But he’s also overhauled the extensive menu, including bringing back a centerpiece of his old menu: Hippy Hash. The bottom layer is made up of hash browns grilled with green pepper, onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms, then topped with feta or cheddar cheese. Hippy Hash is available in seven different versions, six with meat, one meatless, and each dish is accompanied by two eggs and toast. 

Other returning favorites include taco salad, a chopped sirloin dinner, eggs Benedict, and biscuits and gravy. The revised menu “suits us better,” Al-Rabie writes. 

Alpha Koney Ann Arbor, 4389 Jackson Rd. (734) 780–7102. Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. alphadiner.com