TYLER (KYTX) - Fuller's Fine Foods is a landmark in Tyler, more like family to some than just a restaurant.
They began serving East Texas in 1950, and now they're calling it quits.
Owners say other local treasures will suffer the same fate without the right support.
The economy finally took its toll.
For more than 60 years people pulled up a seat and found their favorite items on the menu at Fuller's.
But the restaurant is more than it's food.
And now they're closing because of changing times.
"Stuffed bell peppers, mashed potatoes, fried okra, salad, house dressing," says Beverly Sword.
"Chicken fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried okra," says Heather Farnell.
"Chicken friend steak, mashed potatoes," says Terry Mevane.
One things certain, customers at Fuller's Fine Foods know exactly what they want when they sit down.
"What our mother's cooked, seasoned the same way," says Winnon Sword.
For people like sword and his wife, it's a staple in their diet.
"60 years, ever since they opened," says Sword.
But Fuller's is more than food, it's family.
"Everybody knows the waitresses names, know ours, hug us," says Rick McCurley, who says he grew up in the restaurant.
It's history.
Generations growing up in their booths, and a familiar sizzle.
"The batter .. what's good to me," says Clay Ford.
"Single mom and pop places, that's the past," says Cindy Fuller, the owner of the restaurant.
She says although the doors have been open since 1950, business is hard.
Especially when seats aren't filled, and people are afraid to spend.
"No breaks in taxes, what had to do, could afford the up keep," says Fuller.
Not to mention location, just off of Front Street near Beckham.
The north side of town, far away from the growing south side.
"Grew up on this side of Tyler, here my whole life," says McCurley.
"So many memories of the place and people," says Fuller.
And Fuller has a message for all her customers who want to keep down-home cooking on the menu.
"Never thought I'd say this: support Loggins, El Charro, Cox's grill, if you don't they won't be able to make it either," says Fuller.
Customers who grew up ordering home-style cooking have 4 more days to take in a plate and the people.
"Closing another chapter, been coming here 25-35 years," says Mevane.
"Never thought this would happen, always been here," says Farnell.
Before Fuller's takes their last order, and a part of Tyler's history, closes for good.
"When I walk out and lock it, that'll be it," says Fuller.
Although Fuller's is slated to shut down Sunday at 2 P.M., they're not locking up until the last chicken fried steak is served and the last bite is taken.
Cindy Fuller tells us the property on Front Street has already been purchased.
No word yet on what it will be used for.
She says now she's going to take a little time off and enjoy traveling and her grand kids.
