A beloved southern restaurant chain has officially closed its doors, bringing an end to its 88 years of business in North Carolina. Last week, Winston-Salem-born K&W Cafeteria announced it would close its remaining locations, stating, “this is not a decision we ever wanted to make.”
K&W’s current operators said in their official statement:
K&W has always been more than a cafeteria. It has been a place where families gathered after church, where generations shared meals and memories, and where our teams worked with pride to serve comfort, hospitality, and tradition. We are profoundly grateful to every guest, every team member, and every community that welcomed us into their lives.
Unfortunately, like many restaurant companies across the country, we have struggled to navigate an extremely challenging operating environment. Despite our best efforts, the business could not return to a sustainable level of performance, and we were no longer able to continue operating responsibly.
This outcome is heartbreaking for every person connected to K&W. We are truly sorry to bring this chapter to an end.
To our guests, employees—past and present—and the many communities we served: thank you. Thank you for your loyalty, your memories, and for making K&W part of your family for nearly nine decades. Your support has been the soul of this company.
With gratitude,
K&W Cafeteria
The announcement came as a shock to not only its most loyal customers but also the workers of the chain restaurant.
Ron Woodley, who drove from Asheboro to Greensboro to eat a late lunch only to find the restaurant’s doors locked, told WFMY that the restaurant holds a special place in his heart.
“I think K&W’s been here since the 30s….I was born in 1943, so I remember coming up with my mom when I was a little kid,” Woodley told WFMY.
“I was in deep shock. Like I couldn’t believe it. No warning, no goodbyes, celebration. And all of them had to close. We couldn’t leave one or two open,” Nicole Henry, a former employee for the Greensboro and Raleigh locations, told Spectrum News. “We are deeply hurt. Deeply hurt. We’re going to miss this home cooking, y’all.”
Known for its baked spaghetti, meatloaf, congealed salads, jello, and chocolate cream pie, the Southern institution had many fans and generations of devotees, including current North Carolina Governor Josh Stein.
“Anna and I used to take the kids to the one in the Village District (which has been shuttered for a while now). The kids loved the chicken nuggets, rolls, and mac and cheese. I used to get the salmon (and eat the kids’ leftovers), and Anna was a fan of the baked spaghetti. The tea was super sweet,” Stein said.
“I can’t think of another institution in Raleigh that was more representative — there were people of all ages, races, incomes — and the staff and other customers always had a kind word for the kids. K&W felt like it was from another era, and now sadly it is.”
For those looking for an alternative to the legendary restaurant chain, Axios Raleigh recommends North Carolinians check out the N.C. General Assembly’s cafeteria.
The cafeteria is open to everyone from Monday through Friday, 11 am-2 pm.
You can find more information here. Select “Dining” to see the cafeteria’s menu, location, and hours.
