Famous Tonawanda Restaurant Closing After 70 Years

It's the end of an era for one Western New York restaurant.

For any restaurant to stay in business longer than a few years is an achievement in itself -- but temporary closures and other issues related to COVID have caused many to shutter their doors.

Now after 70 years, one Tonawanda eatery is closing for good.

Louie's Footlong Hot Dogs in Tonawanda made the announcement on their Facebook page.

The owners announced they are retiring after more than 50 years of running the family business, founded by their father, Louis Turco 70 years ago.

This was supposed to be a banner year for the long running hotdog joint celebrating the grand reopening of their Tonawanda location for their 70th anniversary year.

And just as soon as they started opening, it was over.

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The owners cite a lack of staff as a major issue in deciding to close the business.

Without staff showing up to work, the owners -- who are older -- have been manning the restaurant themselves, and simply can't keep doing it alone.

From the Facebook post:

"And after working an incredibly busy lunch hour with just the 2 of us behind the counter (because our other staff members just decided not to show up).. it was clear to both of us completing this season was going to be a monumental task. A task at our age we felt would be too difficult for us." -Louie's Facebook

WKBW reports the Louie's Footlong brand name will be retired, and they are looking for someone to lease the space.