Yet another recession-era bummer: Luby's has just announced that it's closing eight Dallas-Fort Worth area locations, including four in Tarrant County. The Texas-based chain says it may close an additional five to ten of its statewide locations in the next two years.
I know most foodies turn their noses up at the cafeteria-style eatery, famous for its "LuAnn Platter," but it's always held a place in my heart. When I first moved to Texas in my mid-twenties, I didn't know many people, and I hadn't yet mastered any cooking skills -- so almost every Sunday evening, I would dine at the Luby's by myself.
The food was especially comforting to a lonely New York transplant. (I was briefly addicted to the roast turkey and dressing, and then briefly addicted to the meatloaf.) The servers were always incredibly gracious. I also loved the fact that I was usually the youngest person in the place by about fifty years -- it felt like an oasis from the noise and chaos of the real world. (Needless to day, I'm an old soul.)
I haven't been to Luby's in about five years, mainly because I moved to a new neighborhood, and the closest Luby's (alas, now set to close) is a ten-minute drive away: A little farther than I'm usually wanting to drive for its brand of speedy cafeteria food. But this news has me nostalgic and planning a return visit.
And if you've never experienced the wonders of Luby's chicken fried chicken or carved roast beef, what the heck are you waiting for? These places might not be around forever.