This weekend is the final weekend for Bonita Bill's, the historic restaurant is closing their doors on Sunday. Ahead of the final day, people took full advantage on Saturday to say their final goodbye to the restaurant.
The restaurant located under the Matanzas Pass Bridge since 1926, the iconic spot weathered countless storms, including Hurricane Ian, which left behind a massive boat that became a local landmark.
Saturday afternoon had the parking lot full and inside the restaurant was no different, there were no empty seats at all.
"We have generations of people coming back here to all celebrate the same place. So it's touching and it's also a big reminder not only is small business in America going away, but family owned businesses in the feeling, the environment that you can create through that," said Leah Brakefield the general manager.
Brakefield told NBC2 that the emotions were high for the final weekend, adding that at least 3 people cried tears of joy, being able to create one last memory before the place shuts down. She wasn't expecting the restaurant to be so packed.
"The first thing that comes to mind is what is going to happen to the people on my staff, what's in their futures and then secondly, is just that outpouring of love and support, you know from the community," she added. This place has been a Mecca for a really long time, and it's an atmosphere you can't recreate."
NBC2 asked the general manager on what will come next for the historic landmark, we were told that that is still a mystery, for now she and her employees are just trying to enjoy the time they have left together, serving one smile at a time.