SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In June, the owners of Sacramento's Sandra Dee's restaurant announced that July 20 would be the last chance for customers to dine in the 20-year-old establishment.
"We want to give a heartfelt thank you to this amazing city," owners Sandra Dee and Jeffrey said in a heartfelt Facebook post. "Sac-Town has given us a flurry of great memories and an abundance of love for the last two decades. Our loyal customers have become more like family."
Advertised as a "bar-b-que and seafood" joint, Sandra Dee's has many soul food and creole menu items like homemade Louisiana gumbo, fried gator tail, creole seasoned catfish, pork ribs and hush puppies.
But if you've never had the pleasure of dining there, chances are you have at least seen the restaurant in the neighborhood. Let's be honest, it's beautifully difficult to miss.
Wrapped around the building, at the intersection of 15th and F Streets, are murals featuring the likenesses of great African American musicians like Etta James, Marvin Gaye and Dizzy Gillespie.
Sandra Dee's closing after 20 years | Gallery
They did make it clear though that Sandra Dee's menu items won't be completely out of Sac-Town. Sandra and Jeffrey plan to continue the catering side of their business.
Discounts at the restaurant started in June and will continue on their last day, with 20% off menu items, several drink specials and even an opportunity for local restauranteurs to purchase appliances that the owners will no longer need.
If you decide to pay them a visit, don't forget to look up! Over the door they've hung a poster from their 15th anniversary - giving customers a thank you for "making Sandra Dee's your favorite BBQ restaurant."
"We would like to thank everyone again for choosing to spend their time and hard-earned money with us," the owners said on Facebook. "Running a restaurant is like inviting someone into your home and the people of Sacramento have made the best house guests anyone could ask for."
More than 200 friends and customers responded to the Facebook post, saying that 20 years in any business is an accomplishment and wishing the family the best as they move forward. Read a few below, or click here for the full post.