It's the end of an era for the Hardee's location in Millvale as the restaurant has closed its doors after more than 50 years in business.

Former Millvale Mayor Jim Burn posted news on social media about the closing of the restaurant, calling Hardee's a cornerstone of the community and saying that many people who live in Millvale and Shaler have worked there over the years.

"The memories it has gifted this community are countless based on the value it has held as much more than a restaurant," Burn said.

Burn said the restaurant sadly and suddenly closed its doors permanently on Monday after 52 years of business.

"The doors were locked. They were doing drive-thru only, which was out and down the block," said Burn.

He said employees had only hours' notice before shutting the doors for good yesterday.

"I feel bad for the workers. I really hope that everything works out for them. It's very sad that they're in the situation," said Burn.

Regulars like Bill Dreyer came daily since the first day the Hardee's location opened. 

"I enjoyed it. Now I have to find another place to loaf. I'm 83 years old," he said, calling the closing "terrible." 

"Fifty-two years I've been sitting at that one table, and they (Hardee's managers) said that if they have to remodel the building again, they were going to put my name on the table," said Dreyer.

This particular Hardee's is located by the Millvale business district, at a confluence of three busy roads. 

"There is no way, in my opinion, that this facility is not a geographic gold mine," Burn said. 

Now it's an empty gold mine that Burn and hundreds on Facebook and in person couldn't help but wish a final farewell to. 

"We will always remember it and we do hope whatever comes in here next will create the same type of memories that Hardee's created for so many of us," said Burn.

KDKA-TV spoke to the owner's son, who said it was tough to close this place, but they appreciate how much it meant to the community.

Meanwhile, Burn said he hopes another food business moves in, but he has no idea what that'll be yet.

"One of life's only certainties is change," Burn wrote on social media. "We do not always appreciate something until it is gone. This change marks the end of an era." 

With the closing of the Hardee's location in Millvale, the only other remaining location in the Pittsburgh area is located in Waynesburg.

There are also several locations in West Virginia, including in Morgantown and two locations in eastern Ohio.