Patrons of The Cadet Restaurant in Manor Township are wondering what will become of its 30-foot-tall cowboy mascot once the eatery closes on Wednesday.
Owners shared the announcement on social media that the restaurant along Route 422 near Kittanning will close at 3 p.m. after more than seven decades in business.
“Please come share these last couple of days with us,” the post said.
“To all of our customers — and the customers who became family — we love you more than words can say. This place means everything to us. It’s not just a business, it’s been our heart, our home and our life!”
Owners of The Cadet could not immediately be reached for comment.
Patrons took to social media to wonder about the fate of Sam, the cowboy statue that hovers over the family-owned diner.
“Big Sam … a True Legend,” one user wrote. “The Cadet … an awesome place to eat, hang out.”
“So sad. Won’t be the same. Bye Sam,” another wrote.
Opened in 1952 by the Morda family, the diner was originally known as The Owl’s Nest. It has been a community staple with American-style fare, with features like the “Poorboy,” a double-decker burger.
Sam, the towering fiberglass cowboy, has long been an attention-grabber.
Purchased in 1962 at the Chicago Restaurant Show for $3,200, Sam was toppled by a vehicle collision in 1990 and remained out of service for 12 years until efforts were taken by the community to reinstall him.
During a pandemic shutdown, the restaurant was sold to the current owners, the Robey family.
Their Facebook post says, “The very last thing we ever imagined was having to say goodbye like this. Our family is deeply saddened, and this has been incredibly hard for us to process. Right now, we simply cannot answer questions, and we kindly ask that you please be respectful.
“Just know how grateful we are for every meal shared, every conversation, every memory made within these walls. Thank you for loving this place the way we do. We love you all so much.”
