K&W Cafeterias Closes After 88 Years and Ends a Beloved Southern Tradition

K&W Cafeterias has announced it will close all of its remaining locations, ending nearly nine decades of serving Southern communities. The closure became official on December 1, 2025.

Founded in 1935 and later rebranded as K&W in 1937, the chain began in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina. Over the years, it became known for its homestyle Southern dishes, including fried chicken, greens, okra, macaroni and cheese, and homemade pies.

The company faced financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2020. It later restructured and reduced its footprint, with the remaining locations acquired by Piccadilly Restaurants in 2022. Despite these efforts, the chain was unable to sustain operations, and all eight North Carolina locations and one Virginia location have now closed.

For many families, K&W Cafeterias was more than a restaurant. It served as a gathering place for Sunday dinners, family celebrations, and everyday meals that created lasting memories. The company’s closure marks the end of an institution that played an important role in the lives of generations of customers.

The company expressed gratitude to its patrons and communities for their support over the years, acknowledging the impact K&W had as a place where families could come together and enjoy comfort food.

With the closure of K&W Cafeterias, the local dining landscape loses a longstanding institution known for both its food and its role in building community traditions.