John Falkenstine, is this you? Whomever: terrific photo! I love early 50s nostalgia -- diners, movie theater fascades, drive-ins, the old Route 66, roadside attractions, etc .
Great generic shot. Simple, but captures the subject well. However, I think it would be even better without that blur at the bottom left - is that a table or something?
"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." Bertrand Russell
Where to begin? Your use of repetition is very creative as is the way you used the seats to create a diagonal that gives a feeling of perspective to your image. The chrome circles and the hard geometry of the tiles creates a contrast that is subtly suggestive, and I can't say exactly what it suggests. The red shift brings to mind the vinyl over all the old car-seats I remember as a kid (1960's?), and the far background bulletin board gives a homey feeling that makes me think I want to go eat there. I am less enthralled by the out of focus foreground element, but you already know about that. You should offer this image to the restaurant owner. I think he would like it. It surpasses most professional work I've seen.