SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After weeks of rumors, conversations, and outcry, the doors at Old Sacramento's Rio City Cafe will close for the last time on Saturday night.
But hours before the lights go out, a crowd of families and longtime customers lined up to watch the doors open for the final time.
"(I feel) very sad, very sad," said a visitor from the Bay Area, Joanne Revelo. "I would love to see this place flourish."
After learning that Saturday was the 30-year waterfront establishment’s last day serving its classic American dishes, the small trip turned into a last celebration of sorts for Revelo and her husband.
Although, the couple was in a minority; most people lined up for tables Saturday morning knew about the impending closure and didn't mind a wait of more than an hour to be seated.
"I've been coming here for about 15 years," said loyal customer Michele Blumer. "This is where we had our wedding brunch with all of our family. This is also a place we would come for birthdays and special occasions with our children."
The only part of the cafe not busy on Saturday was both of the restaurant's outdoor decks — part of the reason that owners say they were forced to decide to close.
The restaurant’s landlord, the City of Sacramento, wouldn’t fix the decks immediately, which they said were unsafe to use. According to the restaurant’s general manager, no decks means a nearly 50% drop in business — a lethal setback.
"I got excited to hear they were possibly going to work it out," said Blumer of hearing about a meeting between restaurant owners and city officials.
Ultimately those talks with the city were unsuccessful and word quickly spread, so on Saturday, by the groups they came, for one last laugh, meal and memory at the iconic Rio City Cafe.
"I'm sad that my kids aren't here to enjoy this time with us. I'll be sad when they come to visit and we won't have this place anymore," said Blumer. "But I'm definitely glad we are here today."
Watch more from ABC10: Plan proposed to revitalize Old Sacramento waterfront
