One Famous Anthony’s restaurant closing; another staying open

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - The Famous Anthony’s restaurant in Lynchburg will close for good Sunday, February 12 at 3 p.m., according to the company.

A company spokesperson tells WDBJ7 the restaurant wasn’t able to come to an agreement on a lease renewal for its building on Wards Road, leading to the closure. The company will try to find places at other locations for displaced employees.

A restaurant Facebook post reads, “We appreciate the love and support you all have provided us over the years. Our relationships with you mean more to us than we could ever express.”

The post continues, “It has not been an easy decision, but one we feel is necessary for us as we continue to rebuild our relationship with the community.”

At the same time, another Famous Anthony’s location that was expected to close will instead stay open, because a last-minute lease agreement was accomplished.

The Southwest (Oak Grove) Plaza location on Grandin Road in Roanoke was set to close February 12, but will remain open, with the company posting, “MIRACLES HAPPEN!!! A million thank yous to all of you!!”

The company also announced its Williamson Road location will resume normal full-time hours February 20.

The Oak Grove and Williamson locations were targeted by a lawsuit after four people died during a Hepatitis A outbreak connected to the restaurants.