After 40 years of serving customers healthy food, a popular Boulder restaurant is closing its doors for good.
Tuley's Kitchen first opened as a full-service restaurant in 1977. It's owned by Paul Turley and his daughter Sandy. Since then, loyal customers have lined up to get their favorite dishes.
One of those loyal customers is Carla Johnson. Sunday, she waited in line for nearly an hour and a half to eat at her favorite restaurant one last time.
"Literally, people are crying when they found out Turley's was closing," Johnson said. "I burst into tears. I couldn't believe it. It's like saying goodbye to a beautiful, old friend."
Johnson said she's eaten at Turley's at least two times a week for the past 20 years. She said it's her favorite restaurant and one she'll never forget.
"It's a place that will stay in our hearts forever," she said.
Johnson is only one of the customers who has been eating at the restaurant for years. The Turleys said they were able to accomplish having such a loyal following because their restaurant is unlike any other in Boulder.
"We are more different than any other restaurant in town," Paul said. "We are healthier than any other restaurant in town."
He said the restaurant has been a passion of his for a long time, but the business is hard and it's time to permanently close.
Sandy described the restaurant as family to her. She said it was hard to say goodbye.
The restaurant officially closed at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
