Joe's of Westlake's Goodbye Had Huge Lines, Jerry Brown

After 57 years in business, Joe's of Westlake had an emotional sendoff yesterday, with lines out the door from regulars hoping to get in one last plate of steak a la Bruno. The old-school spot was purchased earlier this year by the Duggan family, who also own Original Joe's in North Beach, and will undergo a major renovation over the course of the year, with plans to reopen in early 2015.

The sendoff was attended by a cast of regulars, some of whom reminisced about dining at the restaurant as long ago as the 1950s. The staff, many of whom worked at the restaurant for decades and had expressed concern about the lack of severance pay or other post-closure consideration from the new ownership, was out in full force saying emotional goodbyes to longtime customers. Also on the scene: Governor Jerry Brown, who came down from Sacramento to take a selfie with his wife at their table.

Here are KTVU and ABC7's reports from the scene:

Some reactions from Twitter and Instagram:

It's the last day of business for Joe's Of Westlake. Longtime customers are still cheering the 56 years of service. pic.twitter.com/VOPTBGfsh6

— Sergio Quintana (@svqjournalist) January 27, 2014

One fan ordered multiple plates of his favorite ravioli to vacuum-pack for the freezer:

Here's the chef serving the very last plate of steak a la Bruno:

· Joe's of Westlake given crowded, teary goodbye [KTVU]
· Daly City landmark, Joe's of Westlake, closing after 57 years [ABC7]
· Joe's of Westlake Getting Original Joe's Takeover [~ ESF ~]