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JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. (KDKA) – A local restaurant that has been a staple of the Jefferson Hills community for decades closed its doors Sunday.
The Blue Flame Restaurant has been serving customers for 68 years and has created many memories.
Jessica George Elder was working her last shift at her family’s restaurant. It’s a place she’s been going to for 30 years, ever since she was a baby.
“I can see my dad any time, and my mom and I will come over,” Elder said.
Then, 17 years ago, she started working intermittently at the Jefferson Hills spot.
“I always came back here because this was home,” Elder said.
The restaurant, which opened in 1956, is now closed and serving customers for the last time.
Jennifer George is the wife of one of the owners.
“They are tired because of the coronavirus. The employment and staffing situation has deteriorated significantly, making it increasingly difficult for them to continue operating,” George said.
It wasn’t an easy decision.
“It’s sad to see it all end and it’s sad that it’s not here anymore, but I think it’s very bittersweet,” Elder said.
This change is just as difficult for them as it is for their customers.
“We’ve gotten to know the people who come here. They’ve become friends. They’ve become part of the family,” George said.
Paula Schwartz, now in her 70s, has been going there since she was 5 years old.
“I’m going to wake up next Sunday and be really sad,” Schwartz said. “This is a family. It’s a family restaurant. This is a place where you can bring your kids and have a good time and have pancakes on Sunday.”
Now, they all end up taking some time to ponder, thinking about what to do next.
“We’ve reached the end of the book, so we’re going to close it and open the next one, but we don’t know yet what that book specifically means,” Elder said.
Spaces do not remain empty. The owner sold it to someone who plans to open another restaurant.
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