Winston-Salem, NC, December 3, 2025
K&W Cafeterias, a beloved Southern dining institution in Winston-Salem, NC, has announced its closure after 88 years of service. Founded in 1937, the company thanked its patrons for their loyalty as it closed all locations effective immediately. The closure reflects ongoing financial challenges and marks the end of an era for family gatherings and community dining in the region.
Winston-Salem, NC: K&W Cafeterias Closes After 88 Years of Service
Winston-Salem, NC – K&W Cafeterias, a cherished Southern dining institution, has announced the immediate closure of all its locations, ending 88 years of service. The company made this announcement on December 1, 2025, expressing deep gratitude to its patrons for their support over nearly nine decades.
Details of the Closure
Founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, K&W Cafeterias operated eight locations in North Carolina and one in Virginia at the time of its closure. The company stated that all existing locations closed effective December 1, 2025, and thanked customers for their loyalty and support throughout the years. The closure marks the end of an era for the beloved chain, which had been a gathering place for families and communities across generations.
Background and Financial Challenges
Over the years, K&W Cafeterias became known for its homestyle Southern dishes, including fried chicken, greens, okra, macaroni and cheese, and homemade pies. Despite its loyal customer base, the company faced significant financial challenges in recent years. In 2020, K&W filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. The company emerged from bankruptcy in September 2021 after reducing the number of locations from 18 to 14 and the number of employees from 1,035 to 834. In August 2022, K&W was acquired by Piccadilly Restaurants, which continued to operate the remaining locations until the recent closure announcement. The abrupt closure has left many customers reflecting on the end of a longstanding dining tradition in the region.
Impact on the Community
The closure of K&W Cafeterias has been met with shock and nostalgia from the community. For many families, the restaurant was more than just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot for Sunday dinners, family celebrations, and everyday meals that created lasting memories. The company’s announcement expressed deep gratitude to its patrons for their support over nearly nine decades, acknowledging the impact K&W had as a place where families could come together and enjoy comfort food. The loss of K&W Cafeterias signifies the end of a beloved institution that played an important role in the lives of generations of customers in North Carolina and Virginia.
Other Recent Restaurant Closures in North Carolina
The closure of K&W Cafeterias adds to a series of recent restaurant closures in North Carolina. In March 2025, Raleigh’s 42nd Street Oyster Bar, a local institution since 1931, closed its doors after 37 years at its Jones Street location. The owners decided not to renew the lease and had no plans to relocate. The closure of these establishments reflects the challenges faced by long-standing restaurants in the region and the evolving dining landscape.
Conclusion
The immediate closure of K&W Cafeterias after 88 years marks the end of a cherished Southern dining tradition. The company’s legacy of providing homestyle meals and serving as a community gathering place will be fondly remembered by many. As the restaurant industry continues to face challenges, the closure of such iconic establishments highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and preserving community traditions.
FAQ
What is K&W Cafeterias?
K&W Cafeterias was a Southern dining institution founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It operated eight locations in North Carolina and one in Virginia, known for its homestyle Southern dishes.
Why did K&W Cafeterias close?
The company faced significant financial challenges, including filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. Despite restructuring efforts, the company announced the immediate closure of all locations on December 1, 2025.
How long was K&W Cafeterias in business?
K&W Cafeterias was in business for 88 years, serving communities in North Carolina and Virginia from 1937 until its closure in 2025.
What was the impact of K&W Cafeterias on the community?
The restaurant was more than just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot for Sunday dinners, family celebrations, and everyday meals that created lasting memories for many families over nearly nine decades.
What other restaurants have recently closed in North Carolina?
In March 2025, Raleigh’s 42nd Street Oyster Bar, a local institution since 1931, closed its doors after 37 years at its Jones Street location. The owners decided not to renew the lease and had no plans to relocate.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Announcement | All K&W Cafeterias locations closed effective December 1, 2025. |
| Years in Operation | 88 years, from 1937 to 2025. |
| Number of Locations | Eight in North Carolina and one in Virginia at the time of closure. |
| Signature Dishes | Homestyle Southern dishes including fried chicken, greens, okra, macaroni and cheese, and homemade pies. |
| Financial Challenges | Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry. |
| Acquisition | Acquired by Piccadilly Restaurants in August 2022. |
| Community Impact | Served as a gathering place for families and communities, creating lasting memories over nearly nine decades. |
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