Last Call for Nathan's
Relief for owners, but maybe not for patrons
Nathans
Nathans has served patrons in Georgetown for 40 years.
Sunday marked one last night at Nathan's in Georgetown.
The landmark restaurant served its usual fare, with brunch starting at 10:30 a.m., but at 2 a.m. Monday morning, owner Carol Joynt officially closed Nathan's doors.
It's a relief for Joynt -- who said it's something she should've done 12 years ago -- but maybe not for her customers.
"For my staff and customers, it's a very sad day, but fortunately most of my staff have found jobs," she told News4. "There was a woman who sat at the bar yesterday, drinking her wine and sobbing. I think it was because she met her lover here every day -- and she left in tears."
Joynt says she still owes more than $20,000 in back taxes alone -- when she took over the restaurant after her husband's death, she also inherited millions in debt -- but told News4 that people, "out of the goodness of their hearts," have been coming by and dropping off checks during the final weekend.
