AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Grapevine Restaurant in Amherst served its final meal on Sunday. Owners Tom and Liza Pane made the difficult decision to close their doors and retire after 41 years.
"There's so many emotions. Mostly all happy," Liza said. "The happiness that we were able to be a part of so many events and have such beautiful customers. It will always be a part of who we are."
The couple opened the restaurant on Niagara Falls Boulevard in November 1983.
"It was just a great location. It was great to be in the Amherst community," she added. "We serviced all of North Tonawanda, Tonawandas, Amherst, Niagara Falls. People from all over came to our establishment."
I spoke with Toni Brown on Monday after the closure was announced. Brown and her family were regulars for 20 years.
"They always treated us so well and the food was excellent," Brown said. "We used to joke that if we didn't show up the number of times a week, that they would call us and see if we were sick because that's how often we went. To the point when my husband would call to do a takeout or make a reservation, they recognized his voice."
I also spoke to Tony and Sydney Mastrangelo who said The Grapevine Restaurant was their go-to.
"The stuffed mushrooms were delicious," Tony said. "I would always tell my friends we got to go get 'stuffies' at The Grapevine."
"Our children both have allergies, so they were always very accommodating," Sydney said. "We walked in. They knew exactly who we were. They knew who our kids were. They knew that our daughter loved the fish and the fish tanks, so they always purposely sat us there."
Liza said her daughters will be taking over The Grapevine Banquets and Events Center on Dick Road in Depew. All gift cards can be reimbursed there through December 30.
"We love you. Thank you so much for your patronage. Your support," Liza said.
