Amy Huddleton's family has been going to The Roanoker, a popular restaurant in Roanoke City, for generations.
So after her mother passed away, the restaurant that's now set to close after 81 years, was the perfect spot for a private meal — and to be treated like family.
"Our family chose to eat at The Roanoker the day we buried my mom, directly after her burial," Huddleston wrote in a Facebook comment that she agreed to share for publication.
"I still remember the great service and the privacy they gave our mourning family," Huddleston wrote. "It was better food and way less stress than trying to feed all our out of town family members ourselves. That will always be a sweet memory on an otherwise sad, sad day. Thank y’all for treating your customers like family."
After The Roanoker's owner announced Saturday that the restaurant would soon close, longtime patrons went to social media by the hundreds to share fond memories.
One patron wrote: "My Dad passed away Feb 2021. The Roanoker was part of making the last birthday he got to celebrate with my Mom a little more special."
Another wrote: "You did it all so well. Your food was delicious. Your staff was friendly. Your jewelry and gift section was always interesting."
The customer even complimented how clean the bathrooms were kept.
Another woman wrote: "This absolutely kills me!! Will miss your fried chicken & biscuits!! Can I please have your biscuit recipe?"
The restaurant posted a message on Facebook on Saturday afternoon that it will close in late-May or early-June.
"Our hearts are heavy as we make this difficult announcement," owner Butch Craft wrote.
She wrote that they unsuccessfully tried to sell the business.