Frozen at 5:08, the clock nestled in the Spencer’s Grill sign sits above an ‘indefinitely closed’ poster. The iconic diner, now dark during its once busy hours, has sat empty in the center of downtown Kirkwood since the start of July.

Alex Campbell, the owner, announced the closure of the beloved restaurant on June 24 over Facebook. Spencer’s Grill has occupied the corner of 223 S. Kirkwood Road for over 77 years, tracing its roots back to 1947. While this is not the first time the diner has changed hands, Spencer’s Grill will remain closed and dark for the foreseeable future.  

Despite the restaurant’s closure, Campbell has stayed optimistic that this is not the end of the cherished community cornerstone. He recently reached out on Facebook and Instagram via the Spencer’s Grill official account for parties interested in taking up the mantle.

“We are currently in the process of selling the restaurant to new ownership,” Campbell said. “[We hope] that they can reopen Spencer’s Grill very soon [after transferring ownership].”

The break from flipping pancakes and bacon affects more than just Spencer’s Grill’s loyal customers. The money made from  patrons everyday aids the community in more ways than just satisfying hunger. 

“Spencer’s closing will affect the revenue coming into the city,” Kirkwood Mayor Liz Gibbons said. “[Spencer’s Grill] sales tax helps fund our city services, [and by closing] it impacts the services that [Kirkwood] can offer.”

The Kirkwood residents, students and city employees also all helped to create the diverse atmosphere of the restaurant. They, along with the wait staff who served the small business, made the diner feel more like a family, said Gibbons or a trademark of small town diner. 

“You always saw people you knew; [certain] groups would meet there on a regular basis,” Gibbons said. “My father-in-law, Michael Gibbons, was even there [so often] some people referred to him as the mayor of Spencer’s.” 

Although Campbell is unsure how long  it will take for the sale of the dinner to be completed, Gibbons said she believes even a temporary loss will be felt by Kirkwood. On top of its good reputation, Spencer’s Grill is also one of the few restaurants that serve breakfast in Kirkwood. 

“People are very saddened [by the closure and are] hoping it comes back soon.” Gibbons said. “[It’s just] one less option as far as breakfast and lunch [and] we don’t have a whole lot of restaurants that open for breakfast.” 

The closure of Spencer’s Grill, even if it is only temporary, will also impact the choices for Kirkwood residents, and students, to gather and eat. Audrey Nance, sophomore at KHS, used to frequent the restaurant and eat while spending time with friends and family.

“I’m really sad to see the restaurant closed, especially because it was so important to so many people,” Nance said. “[It was] such a tightly knitted community. I am really going to miss eating with my family and friends in the warm atmosphere of the restaurant.”

This story was originally published on The Kirkwood Call on September 11, 2024.