According to the “Twin Peaks – Access Guide to the Town,” a sincere note on the front door of the Double R Diner thanks patrons for their visit (see page 82). While looking for images of the giant posted menu inside the diner, I stumbled upon a brief image of the “Have a Nice Day” sign in episode 1.002. Despite watching the series numerous times, how did I miss seeing this sign? The search was on…
HAVE A NICE DAY SIGN AT THE DOUBLE R DINER
The “Twin Peaks Access Guide to the Town” was released in June 1991. The book took about six months to make. The first appearance of the sign was from episode 1.002, which aired on April 19, 1990. One can assume the publishing team referenced set decorations and artwork used from the show when creating the book. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to identify the artist.
It’s surprising the sign remained throughout most of the series considering two things – it appears to be paper, and props at the Double R Diner moved around quite frequently (the latter is a future article for another time).
The Double R Diner for the Pilot episode was shot in North Bend, Washington at Twede’s Cafe. The “Have a Nice Day” sign was not present.
The first time we see the sign is in the David Lynch-directed episode 1.002. As Audrey Horne enters the diner, the sign is hanging on the outside door.
As Toad exits the Double R Diner in episode 1.004, we can see the sign in the same spot as episode 1.002.
The sign is briefly seen as Hank Jennings passes by the juke box at the Double R Diner in episode 1.005.
The sign is in the background as Shelly Johnson and Hank Jennings converse behind the counter.
When Sheriff Harry S. Truman and Special Agent Dale Cooper pay a visit to Hank Jennings at the diner, the sign is hanging out on the front door.
With the start of the second season in episode 2.001, we get one of the best looks at the sign in the series. It appears to match the one from the “Access Guide.”
In episode 1.002, this is the only time this angle is seen in series as Deputy Andy Brennan messes with tape. The sign could be behind the camera on the front door..
Part of the sign is seen as Hank Jennings leaves the Double R Diner in episode 2.004.
The sign is also seen when Hank check out who was knocking at the diner after hours in episode 2.004.
The sign is barely seen when Maddy Ferguson enters the diner is episode 2.006.
When Norma Jennings’ mother Vivian is standing at the Double R Diner counter, part of the sign can be seen in the distance in episode 2.008.
Norma Jennings and Big Ed Hurley talk at the dinner in episode 2.012. The “Have a Nice Day” sign is clearly seen on the front door.
The sign is still on the front door when Annie Blackburn enters the diner in episode 2.017.
The final time the sign appears in the series is when Special Agent Dale Cooper leaves the Double R Diner in episode 2.019 with doughnuts and coffee.
This scene with Heidi the waitress in episode 2.022 appears almost similar to the Pilot with the exception of the Carnation Bank in the background. But there is no sign!
The Missing Pieces of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me contains additional scenes at the Double R Diner. Unfortunately, the sign did not make the leap from the set in Van Nuys, California to the real diner in North Bend, Washington.
The same can be said in Twin Peaks: The Return – the “Have a Nice Day” sign is noticeably absent.
One final note about the sign – during the Policeman’s Dream event during Real Twin Peaks 2024, a replica of the sign was added to Snoqualmie Valley Eagles’ front door. It was an awesome deep cut for those who know.
