The term 'patronizes a diner' can be summarized by saying that someone is eating at a diner. This means that they are visiting the diner and purchasing food from it. Eating at a diner is a popular activity, as diners typically offer a wide variety of menu items, from breakfast to dinner. Additionally, diners often have a casual atmosphere, making them a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. The crossword solution for this term is 'eats, ' which is a fitting description of what someone does when they patronize a diner.