AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Last year was a hard year for many longtime Austin restaurant owners.
Ruby's BBQ shuttered its smoke pits last February after nearly 30 years in business.
"At this point, I believe (owner Pat Mares) probably fed me more than my mother over the years," said Paul Minor, a longtime Ruby's BBQ diner.
The Frisco closed in July after a 65-year run and south Austin staple Hill's Cafe shut two months later after 71 years.
Finally, in December, the iconic Threadgill's on Riverside finally bowed to rising property taxes. The delicious chicken-fried steak wasn't quite enough to overcome a monthly rent of $40,000.
Through it all, El Patio on Guadalupe has persevered. It has been serving enchiladas and chalupas since 1954 when Paul and Maryann Joseph decided to open the Mexican restaurant.
They took over the same building once known for its breakfast, hamburgers and two-and-a-half pound T-bone steak special named Schoonerville restaurant.
On Saturday, the longtime Mexican restaurant will celebrate 65 years.
"We're blessed, very blessed," David Joseph said, El Patio's owner. "Every day that I close my doors I say, 'Thank you God for giving me an opportunity.'"
The celebration kicks off as soon as doors open at 11 a.m. for lunch service. There will be food, music, raffles, and giveaways as well as some champagne to toast.
The City of Austin's Mayor Steve Adler proclaims the day as "El Patio Restaurant Day in Austin."
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/beloved-austin-restaurant-to-celebrate-65-years-as-others-close/1686204965 2019-01-04 12:21:05Z
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