Pocono News Section

Landmark Restaurant Closes its Doors

Landmark Restaurant Closes its Doors - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 5:51PM EST

Reported by: Nicole Borocci
Monday, Dec 24, 2007 @05:51pm EST

HANOVER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY - The wait staff at the Spinning Wheel in Hanover Township served up its last meal Monday.

Lucky customer, Pete Gutierrez, looks forward to his visit to the restaurant when coming in from out of town.

“This type of place almost doesn't exist anymore - mom and pop. Everything is so corporate in New York City. I know this town will miss a place like this," Gutierrez said.

Visitors flooded the counter on the last day, bidding final farewells.

Aggie Thomas has worked there for 46 years.

"I'm still working up until the end, so we all come to visit each other," Thomas said.

This landmark restaurant has stood the test of time because the Spinning Wheel is more than a business, it's a family."

"Everybody with all their kids, bringing them in- we're going to miss everyone," said employee Diana Kovalchek.

"Everybody says when you leave ‘we'll stay in touch.’ Well we will, no matter what we will," said cook Tina Pockevich.

The restaurant family will stay in touch to make sure that the next generation doesn't lose site of the business that has meant so much for so many people.

"The Spinning Wheel never ends. It's an institution that will always be there.. if not here in person, then in everyone's hearts," said employee Tina Rothery.

But while some sustain hope for the future, the Spinning Wheel's closing conjures up somber emotions for others who treat the entire staff as brothers and sisters.

“I don’t know, it'll be like a death in my family, I won’t even be able to drive down the street," Rothery said.