Philipsburg’s Retro Eatery closes doors

If you were hoping to meet up with friends at Philipsburg’s Retro Eatery this weekend for some old-school comfort food washed down with an ice-cold milkshake, you are out of luck.

On Tuesday, owners Wes and Kelly Jo Swartout confirmed that the restaurant had served its last plate of macaroni and cheese and its last slice of cheesecake.

The business did not close for lack of customers they said.

“The community absolutely supported it,” said Kelly Jo.

The move was made for personal reasons, as the Swartouts are relocating.

The business has been a family affair. Kelly Jo said sister Ava Selepack, the chef behind those amazing desserts, is sad to see the doors closing.

Aside from great food, the atmosphere has been part of the restaurant’s claim to fame. The couple took an old bar on Pine Street and brought in light and color. They added touches of metal and neon and created a space that seemed part period railroad car diner and part drug store soda fountain.

The couple said they hope to see someone bring it back to life.

The restaurant, including the circa 1925, 2,700-square foot building with an upstairs apartment to rent, is listed with Keller Williams for $175,000.

This story was originally published August 26, 2014 at 10:02 PM with the headline "Philipsburg’s Retro Eatery closes doors."