Decades-Old Northport Restaurant Permanently Closing Soon After No Buyers Emerge

A diner that has served as a staple in Northport for nearly 50 years will soon close permanently after its owners could not find buyers interested in keeping the brand going.

As the Tuscaloosa Thread reported in October, the almost-50-year-old Buddy's Rib and Steak was listed for sale last year and owner Phillip Guy said he hoped to find someone who would be willing to keep its name on the marquee and the spirit of the diner intact.

Guy, who bought the restaurant from local restaurateur Buddy Hall in 2010, said on Facebook Friday that no such buyer materialized.

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"We really tried hard to sell it to someone who would continue to run it as Buddy's, but unfortunately, we were unable to do so," Guy said. "It has been a great experience for me to own and help run this business for the past 14 years. I have made many lifelong friends with many of my customers (way too many to name) as well as many of my staff that has accompanied me on this journey."

Guy said the restaurant will only be open another two weeks and will permanently close on June 13th.

"Please come visit us during the next two weeks and on the 13th," Guy wrote after thanking his full-time staff and his family for their support. "If any of my customers would like to invite me over for a hearty breakfast or any home-cooked meal, you can count on me to be there!"

Buddy's, famous since 1978 for their steaks and hearty breakfasts, is in Northport at 2701 Lurleen B. Wallace Boulevard.

For more coverage of restaurant and retail news in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.