Sign of the Beefcarver, the long-running family restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan, will close its final location on Sunday, October 25, bringing an end to seven decades of trading.
The restaurant at 27400 Woodward Avenue announced the decision on Sunday, citing rising food prices, historically high roast beef costs and losses sustained during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we must inform you that we will be closing the last Sign of the Beefcarver restaurant on Sunday, October 25 after 70 years of continuous family-run operation,” the owners said.
They added that the business could no longer absorb the cost of operating while maintaining what it described as good value for customers.
“Due to extreme financial pressure from rising food costs, not the least of which is the historically high price of roast beef, our menu namesake, we can no longer sustain the losses that have resulted,” the statement said.
The owners said the restaurant had struggled to recover since government-mandated Covid shutdowns disrupted operations and reduced customer numbers. They also appealed to customers to support staff through tips, job offers or other assistance.
The Royal Oak Historical Society says the restaurant was founded in 1957 by Jack Joliat and Bob LaJoie. The business later expanded across metro Detroit, reaching eight locations before the other branches closed.
Sign of the Beefcarver’s Dearborn restaurant, previously the only other location still operating, closed in 2018. The Royal Oak site has since remained the chain’s sole survivor.
The restaurant, known for its cafeteria-style service and roast beef meals, said its final day of trading would be October 25.
