A Chevy Chase, D.C., institution—American City Diner—closed permanently over the weekend after operating for 30 years on Connecticut Avenue.
The diner wrote on its Facebook page Sunday that “it’s been a privilege serving you but the time has come for the American City Diner to close its doors.”
“We will forever be grateful to Jeffrey Gildenhorn for bringing this beloved institution to Connecticut Ave,” the post said.
Gildenhorn opened the diner in 1988 and died in June 2017. Dana Wancjer, his niece, told NBC4 that after his death the family struggled to keep the diner operating.
“The family decided it was time,” Wancjer said in the interview. “It’s so heartwarming that it touched so many people.”
The decision to close permanently came after the restaurant was recently temporarily closed due to an electrical outage.
The diner is known for its blue and silver exterior, iconic sign along Connecticut Avenue and traditional American diner menu.