It’s time to say goodbye to a Downtown Memphis institution.
After more than 40 years in business, Westy’s restaurant at 346 N. Main St. in the historic Pinch District will close at the end of business Saturday, Aug. 15, according to server Sarah Thomas. The restaurant also posted the news on its Facebook page.
Longtime owner Jake Schorr is recovering from a medical procedure and has retired, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help with him medical and other expenses. In January, Schorr listed the property for sale, citing declining sales and increasing debt, according to a story from WMC-TV, a partner of The Commercial Appeal.
Westy's has had a long and varied history
in the Bluff City.
What began as a late-night hotspot Jefferson Square in the late 1970s saw its original location at 79 Jefferson Ave. burn down on November 1, 1983.
A month later, the restaurant relocated to its current building at the corner of North Main and Jackson and was renamed The North End.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, with live music, outdoor seating and a reasonably priced menu and bar, The North End became a popular nightlife epicenter for local night owls and University of Memphis and Rhodes students alike.
Then, in 2004, it was renamed Westy’s.
In addition to remaining a Downtown restaurant favorite, it became known for feeding people experiencing homelessness and others in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Westy’s is also famous for its iconic Hot Fudge Pie, a perfectly sweet and decadent combination of chocolate icebox pie and homemade brownies, topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. According to the restaurant, they’ve sold more than 900,000 slices.
Brian Strickland is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at brian.strickland@commercialappeal.com.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Downtown Memphis favorite Westy's closing after more than 40 years
