The famed New Jersey diner that witnessed the suspenseful end of The Sopranos has just auctioned off a piece of television history. Holsten’s, the diner featured in the series’ final scene, put the booth where Tony Soprano sat with his family on eBay, fetching an impressive $82,600.
Holsten’s, located in Bloomfield, N.J., is undergoing renovations and saw this as an opportunity to let fans own a piece of the iconic show. The eBay listing read, “We are currently renovating our booths at Holsten's. This is your once in a lifetime chance to own the ORIGINAL booth that the Soprano Family sat in for the final scene of the famous show!”
The auction included both seats, the table, and the divider wall, complete with a plaque reading “Reserved for the Sopranos Family.” Notably, the jukebox that played Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” in the finale was not included. Over 230 dedicated fans placed bids, hoping to claim this unique piece of memorabilia.
Co-owner Chris Carley told the New York Times he initially set the opening bid at $3,000, expecting to maybe reach $10,000. He was astounded when the booth sold for over eight times that amount.
“We never imagined it would go this high,” Carley remarked.
Holsten’s, an old-school diner and ice cream parlor that opened in 1939, has long been a pilgrimage site for Sopranos fans. The diner still serves its original menu items, making it a nostalgic spot for locals and tourists alike. Following James Gandolfini’s death in 2013, the diner reserved the booth in his honor, allowing fans to leave notes and cards which were later given to Gandolfini’s son, Michael.
The diner’s website even dedicates a section to its Sopranos fame, proudly declaring, “Holsten’s has remained a site of cultural significance, a point of pride for local residents.”
The booth’s sale underscores the enduring legacy of The Sopranos and its impact on popular culture. “We’re thrilled that this piece of history will be cherished by a true fan,” Carley said. The auction’s proceeds will go towards funding the restaurant’s renovations, ensuring Holsten’s continues to serve as a beloved local institution and a shrine for Sopranos devotees.
Holsten’s remains a living piece of television history, where fans can relive the suspense and nostalgia of one of TV’s greatest shows. As Tony Soprano might say, “Remember the good times.”
