Diamond Jack's to Close Doors this Month - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

Diamond Jack's to Close Doors this Month

Diamond Jack's, off 71st and Yale, will close its doors June 29th after 47 years of business.

Owner Nancy Zankel lost her husband, Larry, to cancer last year. He co-owned the restaurant with Zankel. She said running the restaurant without him has taken an emotional toll. She said it was "just time" to make this decision.

"He and I were married for 41 years," said Zankel. "And his being gone, it's been a very big loss in my life. And actually, coming to the restaurant without him here has been extremely difficult."

Several customers Channel 8 caught up with were surprised and saddened to hear the news. Many of them have been patrons of the restaurant for years.

"We couldn't believe it," said customer Heather Luessenhop. "We've come here for a long time. Our whole family has. My parents used to always bring my brother and I." Now, Lussenhop brings her husband and six sons regularly. She said she will miss Diamond Jack's greatly.

Diamond Jack's has had four locations in Tulsa over the years. However, it has kept many of the same staff members and never changed its iconic red wallpaper.

Employees also told Channel 8 they were saddened to hear the announcement from Zankel Monday.

Gale Ketterer has been working the front counter for 22 years. She told Channel 8, "For it to be gone, it's like the loss of a family member. It's just over and people are just in shock."

Still, everyone Channel 8 spoke with said they understood Zankel's reason for closing down shop. Zankel plans to visit her children who live out of state more.