Keep it open! That’s what Dixie Cafe customers are saying after hearing their hangout is closing for good.
After 35 years in business, Dixie Cafe closed Wednesday. The “regulars” are upset, confused, and outraged.
Dixie Cafe announced Monday it would be closing all 17 restaurants in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. There are two Mid-South restaurants in Bartlett and East Memphis.
We talked to Bartlett regulars like Patrick McDevitt. They are devastated. “It upsets me because they’ve treated me as family,” said McDevitt.
McDevitt has been a long-time loyal customer at Dixie Cafe in Bartlett. McDevitt has his own little corner by the fountain. He says his grandson loves it here.
“They were decorating the Christmas tree you see in the front, and they invited him to participate in that. And they picked him up at some point and he put the star on the top,” said McDevitt.
McDevitt can’t believe Dixie Cafe is closing for good, leaving employees unemployed right before Christmas.
“This is cold. And I don’t mean the weather. I mean this is cold,” McDevitt said.
Robbye Beard owns USA Karate located in the same strip as Dixie Cafe. He and other customers feel bad for the employees.
“Since 1996, I’ve been coming here eating just about every day. They just only had a couple days notice, which I really hate that right here at the holidays, and it’s kinda a tough deal,” said Beard.
Long-time customers feel the same.
John Krc said, “We wish they would reconsider their decision and keep it open.”
“It’s very sad. No Christmas spirit,” said Annette Krc.
Patrick McDevitt shares their feelings. He’ll look for a new hangout, but says nothing can replace Dixie Cafe or the people who work here.
“I’m gonna miss coming over here and being with my family. They’re my extended family,” said McDevitt Several Dixie Cafés ran out of food and closed early. The Bartlett location ran out of food Tuesday evening and closed for good around 5:30 p.m.
Employees told us they’re not getting any severance pay or help finding a new job.
