DALLAS — Whether it was the food, the service, or the classic songs spinning in the jukebox, one thing's for sure: What made Metro Diner special won't be easy to replicate.
The restaurant on Gaston Avenue closed its doors Sunday, ending a 43-year run across from Baylor University Medical Center.
"I wish I was independently rich," said long-time customer Dexter Allen. "I would take all of these waitresses and open up my own place and bring all of them with me."
The 24-hour diner offered a simple menu and 13 tiny booths, but it held an impressive track record. In more than four decades, it had only been shut down for eight days, and that was for remodeling.
Customers loved the food, but enjoyed the hangout even more.
"I feel like its part of the American cultural identity," said waitress Donna Smith, who spent the last decade at Metro Diner. "Once diners are gone, there's not going to be any more specific American culture. We're going to give it up for Starbucks."
Smith said this was her only employer that let her be herself, call customers "Sweetie," and sass back when necessary.
"Personality," she said with a laugh. "You've got to have personality."
Smith and more than half the staff plan to stay with the company and work at its other locations in Oak Cliff, Sulphur Springs and Caddo Mills.
Owner Wayne Adams admits selling the location to Baylor was tough.
James Adams, who founded the restaurant, stopped by to say so long, accompanied by his wife and grandchildren, for one last burger.
"It's my last meal here, but my lovely bride over there is going to fix me some supper," he said.
It's time now to digest the memories of another Dallas landmark that will soon be gone for good.
"Is it tough to say goodbye? Yeah, but it's a good decision, and you make a decision and you go forward," Wayne Adams said. "I feel good about the decision we made."
E-mail sgables@wfaa.com
