Zarzour’s Cafe closes after 106 years of business
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) –The well-known family business, Zarzour’s Cafe, saw an overwhelming number of longtime customers for lunch Friday on Rossville Avenue.
The iconic cafe was packed as hungry customers got their last Zarzour’s meal.
With only ten tables inside the restaurant, owner Joe ‘Dixie’ Fuller managed customers from as early as 9 a.m.
“It’s been busy today. We opened at 11 and everyone got here at 9,” Fuller said.
The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for over a century.
Fuller said the restaurant was his late wife Shannon’s passion.
The family carried on her legacy and jointly decided to close their doors this year.
“You know it was just time. We’re all getting of that age. I certainly am. But having lost her a couple years ago, just kind of changed all the directions in which we were going,” Fuller said.
He honored his late wife with a mural on the outside of the restaurant.
People have come to support the family for years since 1918.
“We love Chattanooga. I’ve been here all my life with the exception of the years I was on the road with Alabama. It’s very sad that we’re having to close things down, but we’re leaving on a good note,” Fuller said.
The owners said they ran out of food just before noon on Friday.
Fuller made trips around town to muster up food for his faithful customers.
“We try to over-prep as best as we can. But we’re a small place. The food speaks for itself. It’s so good. We really worked hard at that. That’s the most important thing in this industry is to make sure the food is good. The insults are included in the price,” Fuller added.
Burgers and fries were the meal for many of the later guests this afternoon.
“I’m sorry to any of you folks that couldn’t get served, we really are sorry we couldn’t get to you. But it’s been that kind of day. It’s just been nuts. We love the support Chattanooga’s given us,” Fuller said.
After 106 years, they are closing their doors to welcome another establishment on the property.
