A longtime favorite downtown Memphis restaurant closed down. Westy’s served its final meal at its Pinch District location after more than four decades of service. The restaurant announced on Facebook that the building and synagogue remain for sale.
Westy’s Shuts Its Pinch District Location
Located at 346 N Main Street in Memphis, Westy’s hosted its final dinner on Saturday, August 15. The restaurant operated in the Pinch District for 42 years.
Westy’s was founded in 1983 and underwent renovations in 1999. The menu featured Southern dishes and late-night favorites.
The restaurant shared a closure announcement thanking its customers for their support. In the post, the restaurant highlighted its “42 years, 8 months, & 7 days” journey of great food, friendly service, and honest drinks.
Several customers expressed their disappointment following the closure announcement.
One customer wrote a long emotional message: “So glad I got to have my favorites one more time. I have to say, it’s the first time I’ve had Hot Fudge Pie for breakfast, but I was taking no chances of you running out! Thanks for the delicious food, the excellent service, and the decades of wonderful memories.”
What Led to Westy’s Closure
The restaurant did not provide a detailed explanation for the closure in its announcement. According to the WREG, Jake Schorr, owner of Westy’s, has decided to close the restaurant due to declining sales, increasing debt, inflation, and other challenges.
Schorr first announced that the restaurant was for sale in January, according to WREG.
On August 14, the restaurant also shared a Facebook post, “We’re closing, but the building and synagogue are still for sale.”
As per the Facebook post of the restaurant, the owner, Jake, is recovering from a medical procedure and has retired. A GoFundMe page campaign was also created to help cover his medical and other expenses.
With the closure of Westy’s, the Memphis dining community has lost a historical dining spot.
