Self-Proclaimed ‘Oldest Steakhouse in San Antonio’ to Close After Over 70 Years in Business

NEED TO KNOW

• The Barn Door, a San Antonio institution since 1953, announced its closure after over 70 years of operation

• Fans shared emotional, multigenerational memories of the steakhouse in the comments section of its Facebook announcement, showing the restaurant's importance in the community

• The restaurant is transitioning to a limited reservation-only schedule until May 10, when it will serve its final meals

The Barn Door is closing its doors.

The Barn Door steakhouse , which claims to be the “oldest steakhouse in San Antonio” and has been open for over 70 years, announced that it is shutting down.

The restaurant took to Facebook to announce the closure. It posted several images of the restaurant, including older images of the barn-shaped restaurant and photos of its menu.

“After more than 70 years, this is not an easy message to share,” the restaurant said.

“Since 1953, The Barn Door has been more than just a steakhouse. It has been a place where San Antonio gathered,” the post read. “Over the decades, we have had the honor of watching generations grow up at our tables, sharing meals, laughter, and stories that became part of our history.”

The restaurant said that the surrounding area of San Antonio has always been a supporter of the business, which has in turn become an integral part of the community. It thanked its supporters for going to the restaurant for “traditions” and “milestones.”

“You filled our dining rooms with life, and you made The Barn Door what it became. We have been through so much together, and it has truly been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this city the steaks you have come to love,” the restaurant wrote.

The steakhouse also thanked its staff, saying, “there are not enough words to say thank you” to them.

“Your hard work, your personalities, your dedication, and your heart are what made The Barn Door special,” it said, adding that over time, the staff became family.

“We are forever grateful for every memory, every laugh, and every moment we shared together, from our Super Bowl parties to the everyday shenanigans,” it said. “From the bottom of our hearts, we will forever be in your debt.”

It also thanked the guests of the steakhouse, who it said made the restaurant “feel like home for more than seven decades.”

The restaurant shared that it will move to a limited reservation-only schedule starting May 1.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, San Antonio,” the restaurant signed off the post. “With gratitude and love, The Barn Door Family.”

Fans in the comment section shared their memories of the storied steakhouse.

“I'm heartbroken. I remember my parents taking me to the Barn Door when I was little enough for a high chair. (I'm 75),” one lifelong fan wrote.

Many commenters shared stories of going to the restaurant across many years, with the staff becoming like family to them.

“I went on my first date at the barn door in 1990,” another customer shared. “I proposed to the same person at the barn door in 1992. We've been happily married for 33 years. Our waitress came to our wedding and even danced with my father. We took our kids there for many dinners."

“We will be in Wednesday night for one last filet,” they wrote.

“I am so heartbroken! This was our go to family restaurant for everything. There are so many great memories of times with my parents at this restaurant. It was one of my father's favorites,” one commenter said, adding, “I wish somebody would buy it and keep it going because it's been such a pillar in the community.”

According to the steakhouse's website , The Barn Door is “the oldest steakhouse in San Antonio” – it opened in 1953. The steakhouse is proud of its “hearty Texas meals and true Southern hospitality.”

The restaurant is barn-themed, with “checkered tablecloths” and “classic Texas ranch-style decor,” serving up grilled steaks, seafood, sides, and house-made desserts, per the website. It focuses on “home-cooked meals with friendly service that makes everyone feel like part of the family.”

The restaurant also has a full-service Meat Market.

The Barn Door did not immediately reply to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Per My San Antonio , the restaurant will have its last service on Sunday, May 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Owner Randy Stokes told the outlet that the team is “incredibly grateful to our staff, past and present, and to the community that supported us for so long," adding that “it has truly been the privilege to serve this city."

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