More Details Given on Closure of Johnny Cace’s

LONGVIEW � More details are being given out on the impending closure of Johnny Cace’s Seafood & Steak House, a Longview landmark that will cease operations March 28. It was announced last week that the eatery will soon end 66 years in business. Cathy and Chelsea Cace told the Longview News-Journal The decision to close the restaurant came after months of prayer and of pondering options. They said the 13,000-square-foot, 50-year-old building needed so much repair and upkeep that the restaurant, and its owners, were buckling under the strain.

According to the history of the restaurant, in 1949, ready to start his own restaurant business, Johnny Cace set his sights on Longview. One Sunday, he came to Mass in Longview with the intention of inquiring with folks whether they thought a New Orleans-style seafood restaurant would work here. Based on the response, on March 10, 1949, he opened Johnny Cace�s Seafood & Steak House on the southeast corner of Green & Tyler streets with seating for 37 customers, and later expanded to accommodate 200 guests.

During the early years, Johnny credits the semi-pro ball clubs for helping him get started. They would come to the restaurant to eat after the games, including the famous Stan Musial. In 1964, he moved his restaurant to its current location with seating for 300, which grew to today’s capacity of 450. By 1980, Johnny had turned over daily restaurant operations and management to his son, Gerard Cace.