Steak Barn closes
By Laura Collins
Published in News on July 30, 2010 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
The Steak Barn on West Grantham Street has closed its doors. The Steak Barn was for decades a popular place for large parties to meet. It will remain open for private parties.
After more than 40 years in business, The Steak Barn on West Grantham Street has closed its day-to-day business -- at least for the time being.
Owner Scott Adams said today that the restaurant will still be available for private parties, but due to the economy, that will be the focus now.
"The economy has just not been good," he said. "We're still doing parties, reverse drawings, all of that, but as far as the day-to-day operations, we're shutting that down. Through the summer, especially being a beach town, Goldsboro dies. It just got to where it wasn't as profitable and as a business owner you have to look at the big picture."
The restaurant was first opened in 1968 by Adams' late father-in-law, Horace Smith, and had become a Goldsboro landmark over the years. But Adams said the 60-year-old building was in need of remodeling and renovations.
He added that there is also a chance that he and his wife, Karen, will reopen The Steak Barn in November.
"If the economy and the demand for day-to-day operations increases and the remodeling goes as scheduled we may reopen," he said. "But we don't want to commit to that right now."
Before closing, the restaurant had a staff of about 26 employees. For future private parties and events, Adams said he and his wife will only use a "family and friends crew."
Adams thanked the Goldsboro community for its support over the decades. The restaurant was a popular place, especially for class reunions and family gatherings. After many years in business, Smith had added a second floor to accommodate such affairs.
"We've had a great business," Adams said today. "It's been there 42 years and we've really appreciated all the patronage."
In the meantime, Adams said he is focusing on his other business, Adams Roadside BBQ, located on U.S. 70 West. The take-out barbecue spot is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Adams said he's currently in negotiations to open another Adams BBQ on Berkeley Boulevard.