Johnny Cace’s to Close in March

LONGVIEW � A Longview staple will soon be closing down shop. According to KETK, owner Cathy Cace says Johnny Cace’s will shut its doors on March 28, just a few weeks after celebrating its 66th anniversary on March 10. The move was announced to management last week and the full staff Tuesday after about six months of considerations. Cace said there were a lot of things that needed to be done when her husband, whom she worked with daily, passed away about two years ago. “The building is 13,000 square feet with a lot of maintenance. The cost of things, we can’t maintain the building we need to give quality service,” she said.

The restaurant will still be celebrating Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras for any patrons who want to attend. Cace said there will also be a dedication for the historical marker in the building, but there is no exact date yet. Gift cards will be honored until the business closes. The building is currently up for sale, and Cace says there is a chance the restaurant could be sold. “If someone comes along, we’ll talk about [selling Johnny Cace’s], but that’s not what we wanted to do. There is a possibility 5, 10 years down the road we may do something at a smaller location.”

The owner also wanted to express her gratitude to the community for supporting her business. “We very much appreciate all our customers and loyal staff, and we wouldn’t have made it 66 years without the loyal patronage.” And if you can’t live without their gumbo, Cace says to come on by to get some for your freezer.