SPOKANE, Wash. — An emotional goodbye at Gordy’s Sichuan Cafe Friday.
The South Hill staple was packed with supportive customers who waited in line to get one final dish before the restaurant closed its doors for good.
“It’s just the end of a very big important thing in my life and Spokane,” said Leigh Riendeau, the owner of Gordy’s.
Riendeau emptied her heart into this little cafe on the South Hill that has been dishing up mouthwatering plates for more than 20 years. But like so many neighborhood spots, Gordy’s found itself in a heavyweight fight against skyrocketing prices and customers strapped for cash.
“At some point, you have to make the call. I have a mortgage, I have a 12-year-old daughter at home,” Riendeau said.
The community formed a line out the door to say thank you to the people who gave generations a place to grab a delicious bite.
“With everything that’s going on, look at that,” Riendeau said. “I just love them all.”
While she is sad to see the restaurant go, Riendeau is confident someone else can revive it down the line.
“I think it’s going to go on,” she said. “I don’t know how and it’s not going to be me, but it can’t die like this.”
Her last message to the community is asking everyone to keep shopping locally.
“Thank you. Everybody thank you. Bottle Bay is right next door, do not forget about them,” Riendeau said.
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