“Knotty Pine Closes for Good”

Posted: 14 Nov 2010 08:05 PM PST

Knotty Pine Closes for Good

Reported by: Eyewitness News

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY -- It's the end of an era for a longtime Luzerne County restaurant.

The Knotty Pine in Hazle Township served its last meals Sunday. The restaurant first opened in 1937 and became a community staple.

Former workers and loyal customers had nothing but nice things to say about the business -- including Joyce and Ed Burzzy who had their first date at the Knotty Pine in 1956. "It's friends. You felt like you were part of the family when you were here. And everybody was friendly, everybody knew everybody," said Joyce.

Former waitress Heather Burns said, "It's just amazing. The people are so wonderful. Along the way you just make bonds that you keep."

Mary Citro of Hazle Township added, "Well I don't go to those other restaurants. We only like it here. This is our favorite and we're going to miss it. We've been coming here since the 50s."

Owners Susan and Bernard Byorek decided to sell the place in part because of the sluggish economy. Officials from Greater Hazleton Historical Society say they will salvage a booth and a menu to be displayed at the society's museum.