Diner Owner In New City Realizing the American Dream

When one thinks of living the American dream, of a real-life American success story, one can immediately turn to Manny Acosta.

Acosta, who emigrated from El Salvador in 1986 to join his older brother Baudilio in Piermont and who proudly says, "To me, the U.S. feels like home to me, like I was born here," has risen through hard work and perseverance from being a busboy to becoming  a co-owner of two family-style restaurants: City Line in New City and State Line in Tappan.

Acosta and his partner Jesus Zotamba, who primarily toils behind the scenes, employ about 45 workers who help make their restaurants places to come for good food, comfort and perhaps a friendship or two.

"I feel comfortable there," says Margaret Larson, a regular customer with her husband, Alan. "You don't feel crowded even when it's crowded and I've never been disappointed with the food. They are very accommodating."

Manny can often be found mingling at a table with someone he invariably knows well, flitting from table to table as if he were running for office. It's no wonder that one secret to Manny's success is that he genuinely likes people.

"You have to do the right thing for the customers, the people. If you have trouble, make sure they are happy. Never fight. We want our customers to be happy, to eat and leave happy. This way they come back," Acosta observes. "We have a lot of regulars at both places and some know us for 20 years."

Acosta's  road to ownership did not come easily, however. Besides being a busboy way back when, Manny has been a dishwasher, a waiter and managed other restaurants before realizing the American dream of ownership in 1997 at the now-shuttered Rockland Diner at the Clarkstown Mall. In 2001, Acosta and his partner converted a steakhouse on Route 303 in Tappan, which can seat 150, and in 2002 opened the larger City Line Family Restaurant on Main Street in New City, which seats 275.

Acosta said he was never fearful of failure.

"I always wanted to own my own business," he said. "When I saved enough money I said I'm ready. I have no regrets. I was always willing to work and if it failed, I have two hands. I'm never afraid to work"

Yet despite his indomitable spirit, Manny is quick to credit his staff, readily willing to admit that nothing would be possible without them. He has three brothers aligned with him: Lindo and Raul at State Line; Juan joins him at City Line.

Lindo manages State Line and admits that not every encounter with his brother is something to write home about, but somehow they find a common ground whatever the situation.

"It's hard to explain how we get along," Lindo says with a smile. "If we don't get along sometime, we just walk away. But you know, success is a lot of guys, not just Manny."

And it's always "Manny" to his employees. "No one calls him boss," said Lindo, who shares his brother's obsession to please the customer.

"Sure it's hard sometimes. Everyone has a bad day -- me, Manny, the customer, you know how life it. But you can always try, that's the thing," offers Lindo. "I tell my nephew (Edgar) not to get upset, try to stay calm. You can't fight with a customer. Differences happen, it all depends on how you handle it. We handle it like it's supposed to be. We're not perfect all the time, but we try our best every day. Every day there is something new to learn."

And Manny, apparently, will have much to learn because there are no thoughts of retirement.

"I love the business and you've got to be happy to be in business. I love the customers. They keep me happy and healthy."

But most of all, Acosta loves this country.

"To me, I love America. To me, it is the best in the world. If you are willing to work, if you respect people, you'll have no problems," concludes Manny, an ever-present handshake and smile at the ready.