An iconic American restaurant chain has served its final meal. K&W Cafeteria has announced the immediate and permanent closure of all its locations, bringing an end to 88 years of business. The company confirmed the shuttering in a social media post on Monday, 1 December 2025.
The End of an Era for a Southern Dining Staple
In a heartfelt statement posted on Facebook, the company expressed its profound gratitude to generations of customers. K&W described itself as more than just a restaurant, highlighting its role as a community gathering place and a cornerstone of family traditions, particularly for Sunday meals. The chain, known for its southeastern-style cafeteria service, stated that all its remaining outlets ceased operations as of Monday, 1 December.
The closure marks the final chapter for a business that had weathered significant challenges, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020. At the time of closing, the chain operated eight restaurants in North Carolina and one in Virginia. Its headquarters were based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Customer Reactions and Lasting Memories
The announcement prompted an emotional response from loyal patrons who shared their memories online. One customer, Niya Kerr from Charlotte, recalled cherished family rituals tied to the restaurant. "I used to go to K&W after every Thanksgiving parade with my family," she wrote, even jokingly pleading for the chain's famous chocolate pudding recipe.
In its farewell message, K&W Holdings Group LLC stated: "We are sorry to announce that after proudly serving this and many other communities for years K&W Holdings Group LLC will be CLOSED PERMANENTLY." The company extended its thanks for the decades of support, stories, and loyalty from its customers.
A Trend of High-Profile Business Closures
The demise of K&W Cafeteria is part of a wider trend of long-standing US businesses shutting their doors in recent months. Notable examples include:
- Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, which announced the closure of all its locations in September without providing a specific reason, though it hinted at a potential future reopening.
- Rite Aid pharmacy, which confirmed in October it would close all its remaining stores after 63 years in operation, leaving many customers searching for new pharmacists.
For K&W, the decision appears final. The company's statement concluded with a poignant note: "We are truly sorry to bring this chapter to an end, but profoundly thankful for the love you’ve shown us for nearly nine decades. From our family to yours — thank you." The closure leaves a significant gap in the dining landscape of the American Southeast, where the cafeteria had been a familiar and beloved institution since 1937.
