A Lehigh Valley restaurant has closed after over 90 years of family operation following its owner’s death.
Ashley’s Signature Restaurant announced Monday it will be closed until further notice at 229 N. 11th St. in Easton, just over a week after it announced the death of owner Melinda Watson.
Monday would have been Watson’s 70th birthday, according to the announcement.
“We truly thank you, our customers, staff, and family, for the support over the decades and for your understanding as we process and heal from this deep loss to our community,” Watson’s daughter Ashley said in the announcement.
When the restaurant announced Watson’s death earlier this month, it described her as the “heart” of the restaurant.
“She made this place feel like a home, because to her, you were all family,” that announcement said. “Melinda poured her love into every detail of this restaurant, but more importantly into every person who walked through our doors. Her warmth, her laughter and her generous spirit touched … countless lives and a legacy she leaves behind is immeasurable. We are grieving deeply, but we are also grateful. We are grateful for the years we had with her, for the community she built, and for each of you who made this dream of hers come alive.”
Ashley’s, which couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Tuesday, has been family-owned and operated since 1935, its website said. Watson took over from her mother in 1976.