LAFAYETTE — A staple in the Oil Center is now closed.
Picadilly opened on Coolidge Street in 1961, and some of its original customers still enjoyed lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
"We would come every weekend to Picadilly, and they would have a big round table in the corner," said customer Pamela Abshire. "They knew right when we walked in, that was our table."
The restaurant closed its doors on Sunday, prompting hundreds to dine one last time.
"It was kind of sad to see them go. When I saw it on social media, I figured we had to come and have one last Sunday lunch at Picadilly," said customer Charles Songy.
Eating at Picadilly was a tradition for many families, so some were emotional when hearing that the business would close.
"[It] holds a piece of history. [I] pass in front of it, and the memories come flooding in," said Pamela. "So, it's going to be awfully hard to pass in front of here and see that it's no longer open."
Aside from the food, a big part of Picadilly is the staff.
"I buy carrot souffle by the case. There are eight big containers in a case. Phil the manager here, who's been the manager for a long time... My nickname is the 'carrot souffle man,'" explained customer Al Thomas.
The restaurant serves a variety of comfort food, like fried catfish and macaroni and cheese. Some argue no meal is complete without the gelatin.
"When it comes to the whole food line, it's just very hardy; I enjoyed it. It was some easy cooked meals. You could just come and relax," said Jean Paul Abshire.
The customers say their Picadilly will never be replaced.
"There's nothing else like this in Lafayette. You have new restaurants coming up all the time, but there's nothing like Picadilly," admitted Pamela. "It's been around for so long."
