A retro diner in downtown London that has been serving up burgers, fries, and milkshakes for 25 years is about to close its doors.
Prince Albert's Diner, a 50s style diner at the corner of Richmond Street and Albert Street, will be shuttered in a month, brother and sister owners Bill Spigos and Betsy Gallo posted to the eatery's social media channels late Tuesday.
"Was it the best 25 years of our lives? Absolutely! A 25 year goal was set, our goal was met, and now it's our time to go," the post reads.
Prince Albert's has been a Richmond Row staple since it opened in 1996. It served up classic diner food to families, was a go to lunch spot for high schoolers, and an after-the-bars must for college and university students.
"We are honored to be able to say that we had a landmark in London," Spigos and Gallo said. "We don’t know what the future holds for Prince Al’s, but NO DINER FINER will never disappear!”
The Facebook post about the restaurant's closing garnered 832 shares and more than 200 comments in less than 12 hours.
Many people shared stories of going to the diner as kids, teenagers, and then as adults with their own children.
"It truly a sad day to know you are closing your doors I have bin going to your restaurant since I was a little kids I have some of my best memories in your restaurant," commented longtime patron Dustin Coveney.
Leslie Warner wrote "So sad to see this - you are a part of my 'growing-up' (and my now!). So many memories."
Prince Albert's was so much more than a dinner for Allan Edward, he commented that it was "home."
"When I was struggling a few years back, I found myself coming in a lot... It has always been the place where my dad and I would go for lunch or friends and I would meet up," wrote Edward. "I never knew how integral this one place was... until now."
An exact closing date has not been announced.