Dixie House Must Vacate Lakewood Location After 40 Year Run
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Big line, long wait times and now an East Dallas staple restaurant is closing for good after 40 years of business.
Dixie House Lakewood will serve up its last meal on Friday.
Management posted signs recently informing patrons they were being kicked out of the space.
"It's not just a restaurant. It's kind of an icon," said Janette Maret Bennett, a long-time patron.
Located on Gaston Avenue near Abrams Road in Lakewood, people who have called Dixie House home for years packed inside for one final meal on Wednesday.
"It's home and when something changes, we don't like that," said Kyle Rains, a Lakewood resident.
Rains was at the Dixie House when it opened. He was a teenager.
Now, a little older and wiser, Rains stopped by to say goodbye to his old friend.
"I'm paying my respects. Plus, I really want some chicken fried steak," said Rains.
He was not alone. The line wrapped around the building as patrons waited well over an hour most of the night to get inside the restaurant.
"I don't know how in the world they could shut this place down. But they are," said Kent Corley, a patron.
The property manager said after months of not paying rent or responding to letters for payment, they were given no choice but to evict. Parent company The Black Eyed Pea has also filed for bankruptcy.
"I think they're going to have big shoes to fill. But whatever they put in here I don't think it's going to compare to Dixie House," said Corley.
While nothing last forever, Rains feels his old friend still had a good run.
"It's just something you expect is always going to be there," said Rains.
Management at the Dixie House said it could not comment on Wednesday.
The landlord of the property said he is actively looking for a new tenant and hopes it's another restaurant.
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