WHITEHOUSE, Ohio —
A popular Whitehouse restaurant is closing its doors after over a decade in business.
Route 64 Pub and Grub on Waterville Street is saying goodbye on Friday.
Co-owner Rosemarie Morris said Route 64 Pub and Grub was gifted to her 12 years ago by her husband, Gregory Morris, who built the restaurant's interior by himself.
"He built this for me in case something happened to him, and basically it's been my baby for 12 years," Rosemarie Morris said.
The restaurant has been a staple in the community since it opened.
"It's holding its own. There's no struggle at all. The community has been wonderful to us," she said. "We started with that small little room on the other side. It only seats like 12 tables and I thought that was going to be it. Then this room came available and thank God it did."
The decision to close wasn't an easy one, but due to Rosemarie Morris' health, it was a necessary one. She has had four hip surgeries since December.
"I know my health is not as good as it used to be," she said. "I have other issues, so it's just time for me to think about me and retire."
Although most of her staff have found new jobs, she says saying farewell to them will be the most difficult part.
"I do love my staff. They have been very good to us," she said. "I can't even begin to tell you how bad I'm going to miss them. I talk to them every day and there's not going to be a reason to now."
In celebration of its last day, all menu items will be 12% off and beers will be $2 on Friday.
A new Mexican restaurant is set to open in Route 64's place later this summer.
Editor's note: This story has been edited to correct the type of surgery Rosemarie Morris received.