After recently earning the title of one of the best in the South, a beloved East Memphis steakhouse has closed for good.
Buckley’s, located at 5355 Poplar Avenue, served its last customers on Sunday.
The owners of the 30-year-old restaurant did not give a specific reason for the closure.
But teammate Jeff Fioranelli said: ‘It was a great race and now I have the opportunity to pursue other passions.
“One of the most important things is spending more nights at home with my wife and son. I hope you’re ready! Thanks, Memphis!”
Buckley’s closed its doors after 30 years in East Memphis
Owner Jeff Fioranelli said of Buckley’s closing: “It was a great run.”
Buckley’s first opened its doors 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 facade and neon signs, the dimly lit dining room inside Buckley’s Grill is perfect for date night.
‘Your date will be even more impressed with the fantastic food and your wallet will be happy too.
‘The steak options are simple. Order a 6-ounce signature steak (with a premium or signature side) for just $49.’
A staff member who had worked there since 1996 gave some insights in a post on Reddit.
One factor was that the restaurant did not offer takeout.
“The reason for this was that the owners did not believe they could guarantee their steaks,” they posted.
‘A medium-rare steak would quickly turn into medium in a takeout box. They died on this mountain despite the takeout trend.’
The worker, who praised the restaurant, also highlighted the rising costs the restaurant faces, a common problem in restaurants across the United States.
He noted that the restaurant was not making a profit.
‘When I first started working at Buckley’s, a steak was literally $10. Last week, a 6-ounce steak was $49. And believe it or not, there was no price gouging.
‘His 16-ounce ribeye was $21. It sold for $57, which is fine. Most restaurants charge three times the cost to cover operating and labor costs.
Crime was another factor, with customers’ cars being broken into outside the restaurant.
Buckley’s, a steakhouse in East Memphis, closed last week
“You could have the best experience inside the restaurant, but if you come out and find a broken car window and stolen items, would you think twice about returning?” they wrote.
“Multiply that by the number of times and that means a lot of people don’t come back.”
Small chains and independent restaurants like Buckley’s have been closing at an accelerated rate over the past year.
Many are struggling with The aftermath of the pandemic, which caused labor problems, inflation and a change in the way Americans eat out.
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