Salem landmark shuts its doors for good
SALEM — After more than 50 years, a place employees and patrons describe as “Cheers-like” is closing its doors for good.
Timberlanes Inn and Restaurant, located on East Pershing Street, locked up for the last time Thursday night.
Sabrina Harding, an employee who has worked at the establishment for 26 years, said the news, while not unexpected for her, was sad.
“It was kind of expected because we have been going day to day, but we have had the business pick up lately,” she said. “Six years ago the owners sold it to another family, and since then it hasn’t been the same as it used to be.”
Harding said news of the closing was very short notice — employees were told Thursday morning that they wouldn’t be coming back to work today.
She said Timberlanes closed because the bank that took over the establishment’s mortgage couldn’t afford to pay for it any longer.
Sherry Bettis, an employee, said she was just hired a week ago but will miss Timberlanes anyway.
“This place is a landmark in town, and it’s going to be sad to see it go,” she said.
Patrons, Harding said, seem to be taking the news the hardest.
“Some patrons were crying,” she said. “You know, it’s a small little Cheer’s-like bar here. It’s been kind of a staple here in town.”
Harding said many people stopped by to say their final good-byes throughout the day Thursday.
“A lot of customers who I haven’t seen in years came in to have a drink and just take a last look around at the place,” s