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One of America's 'most legendary steakhouses' abruptly shuts after 30 years
After only recently landing the title of one of the best in the South, a beloved East Memphis steakhouse has now shut for good.
Buckley's, located at 5355 Poplar Avenue, served its last customers on Sunday.
Owners of the 30-year-old restaurant did not give a specific reason for the closure.
But partner Jeff Fioranelli said: 'It was a great run and now I have the opportunity to pursue other passions.
'Not the least of which is spending more nights at home with my wife and son. I hope they are ready! Thank you, Memphis!'
Buckley's has shut after 30 years in East Memphis
Owner Jeff Fioranelli said of the closure of Buckley's: 'It was a great run.'
Buckley's first opened in 1994 and was recently recognized by Southern Living magazine as one of the 'South's Most Legendary Steakhouses.'
The glowing review said: 'Don’t be fooled by the white-brick façade and neon signage, the moodily lit dining room inside Buckley's Grill is perfect for date night.
'Your date will be even more impressed by the fantastic food, and your wallet will leave happy, too.
'Steaks options are kept simple. Order a signature 6-ounce filet (comes with a prime or signature side) for just $49.'
One member of staff who had worked there since 1996 gave some insight in a post on Reddit.
One factor was the restaurant not offering to go items.
'The reason for this was because the owners didn't think that they could guarantee their steaks,' they posted.
'A medium rare steak would quickly become medium sitting in a to-go box. They died on this mountain despite the to go trend.'
The worker, who was complimentary about the restaurant, also pointed to rising costs faced by the restaurant - a common problem for eateries across America.
He pointed out the restaurant was not profiteering.
'When I first started working at Buckley's, a fillet was literally $10. Last week, a 6 ounce filet was $49. And believe it or not, there was no price gouging.
'Their 16 ounce ribeye at cost was $21. It was sold for $57, which is about right. Most restaurants charge cost times three to cover labor and operational costs.
Crime was another factor - in particular, customers' cars being broken into outside the restaurant.
Buckley's - a steakhouse in East Memphis - shut last week
'You could have the best experience inside the restaurant but if you come out to a broken car window and stuff stolen, would you think twice before going back?,'they wrote.
'Multiply that by the amount of times and that's a lot of people not returning.'
Small chains and independent restaurants like Buckley's have been shuttering at pace over the past year.
Many are struggling with the aftershocks of the pandemic, which caused labor issues, inflation and a change to how Americans eat out.