ISSAQUAH, Wash. — Issaquah's Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-In announced its closure just hours before ending operations for good on Nov. 29.
The restaurant, located at 98 NE Gilman Boulevard, sold for an undisclosed amount, according to Glenn Combs, who represented the seller. The sale closes Dec. 1. A sign on the door announced the beloved spot would close on Wednesday.
"We thank you for the many happy years of serving you," the sign, posted by management, reads. "We have retired!!!"
The new owners are a group from Issaquah that has long ties to the community Combs said. The group is still deciding what to do with the property.
According to the restaurant's website, XXX Root Beer Drive-In opened in 1968. The restaurant is known for its comically large portions of 1950s-style diner favorites, including giant XXX burgers, "Why did the chicken cross I-90?" entrees and, of course, root beer floats and milkshakes. XXX Root Beer also hosted several car shows.
The vintage-inspired restaurant was purchased in March 1999 by Jose Enciso and his wife.
The owner's son, Jose Enciso, Jr., said he came to the restaurant with his kids on Wednesday to enjoy a last meal, say goodbye to his dad and reminisce.
Then, the crowds of people showed up.
"It got to the point where we had to get up and punch in, throw on a T-shirt," Enciso, Jr. said. While he was here to eat dinner, he ended up working through the night.
"But it's good, I wouldn't have had it any other way the last night being here," he said. "To come together as a family again and deliver to our community."
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the amount the restaurant sold for.