HANOVER, Mass. - A go-to breakfast spot for decades on the South Shore will close up shop next month, but not by choice.
The owners of The Eating Establishment in Hanover announced their landlord, 7 Eleven, has decided not to renew their lease. In a letter to customers, Steve and Alice Matheny said 7 Eleven has "other plans" for the restaurant space.
“Our customers range from families to high school and college kids who can't wait to be on school break to come visit,” Mary Boyle Smith, a cashier, told Boston 25 News. “We serve many elderly who are there seven days a week, some for breakfast and lunch. On weekends, the lines are out the door.”
The Mathenys said they've been trying to find a place to relocate to, but they haven’t had any luck.
"It has been our pleasure to be part of this community for the past 9 years," their letter to customers read. "We would like to thank everyone for all of your support and will miss serving you."
The Matheny’s took over the restaurant’s lease 9 years ago, but the restaurant has been in business for more than 40 years. Alice had been a cook at the restaurant for 10 years prior to becoming the owner.
Two of the waitresses are longtime employees. Shirley has worked at The Eating Establishment for nearly 40 years; Alicia has been waiting tables for more than 15 years.
“When they open, they have 10-12 regulars whose seats are set up before they walk in. Steve and Alice see them come in door and start their breakfast before they even sit down,” Smith said.
Diners have started an online petition "Extend The Eating Establishments Lease" that gathered more than 3,000 electronic signatures in one day.
“They have worked too hard to have this all taken away from them and the customers who call us their home. 7 Eleven is a big corporation that certainly doesn't care about the little guy. To them, we are a drop of water in the ocean, but to the employees and customers we’re a million tears in the ocean,” said Smith. “The Mathenys don't want all this publicity. They are the kindest, most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of calling not only my bosses, but my friends."
Boston 25 News has reached out to 7 Eleven for comment, but we have not yet heard back.
The Eating Establishment is set to close on Dec. 23.