Logan’s Roadhouse in Ocala, known for providing free buckets of peanuts to its customers, has suddenly shut its doors.
The restaurant, located at 2621 SW 19th Avenue Rd., posted a sign thanking its patrons after permanently closing. The message to customers said the staff had enjoyed serving them, their families and friends over the past several years.
“The moments you’ve shared with our team have been phenomenal and we appreciate the support you’ve shown us,” the sign reads. “Unfortunately, this location is now closed.”
Several employees and customers of the eatery expressed their dismay on Facebook after the closure was announced.
“My heart breaks for the workers.. and I’m going to miss you all,” wrote Crystal Burke, in a message to Briana Nicole Harding. “Most of you guys felt like family.”
Burke said the restaurant also held a special meaning to her for an entirely different reason as well.
“It was the place my husband and I had our first date,” she wrote.
Harding said the employees weren’t given any details about the closure.
“They just showed up and found out that day,” she wrote. “That’s what I can’t get past.”
Logan’s Roadhouse was founded in 1991 in Lexington, Ky., and is based in Nashville, Tenn. Prior to the closure of the Ocala store, there were 194 company-operated and 25 franchised locations throughout 23 states.
In August 2016, the company filed for bankruptcy and announced the closures of 18 of its 256 locations. In September 2016, two locations in Kissimmee, two in Orlando and three other Florida locations shut their doors.