WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP -- Workers at two Old Country Buffet restaurants in our area may be out of a job. The places in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties closed suddenly over the weekend.
It's known for its endless buffets, but it looks like it's the last course for waiters, cooks, and managers at two Old Country Buffet restaurants in our area. In Dickson City, a sign on the door says it's closed.
In Wilkes-Barre Township, employees were told to go home when they showed up to work.
Some people still came to the one in the East End Centre near Wilkes-Barre Monday, only to leave full of disbelief after realizing it was closed.
“I was in shock. I thought maybe something else happened, they had a fire or electricity out or something. I was surprised,” said Roman Beltran of Wilkes-Barre.
Beltran has six kids and brought them there every Thursday night for five years.
“We usually come Thursday nights for the family night and the kids eat for $1.99, so it's going to be a big impact on the area and families out here, so it's a shame,” he said.
A sign on the door says employees should meet Tuesday for an afternoon meeting, but an employee said the meeting is now off, their employment uncertain.
The closings are also blow to a waitress who moved to Wilkes-Barre from Puerto Rico last month. She felt lucky to have a job.
“I don't know nowhere else. I found that one and a new family, friends. It's hard, it's hard,” said Jessica Ramirez of Wilkes-Barre.
A spokeswoman from the company wouldn't comment, but there have been several other Old Country Buffet closings in Pennsylvania over the past few months.