"This location's success has been unwavering because of the quality of food and service, the great personalities on staff and above all else, customer loyalty," Garald said.

The restaurant's lease expired this month and will not be renewed because the building is being torn down.

Garald has not given up on finding another location near the area and neither has general manager Richard Kuhlman.

"We would like to come back to the general area but finding another location has been difficult," Kuhlman said.

Kuhlman has worked at the Meridian Avenue location for five years but has been with Marie Callender's for almost 20 years.

"We looked at the Blockbuster building down the street but there wasn't enough parking," he said.

Customers who live in the neighborhood hope the restaurant is able to relocate nearby.

"I live down the street and the closeness has been very convenient," Christa Logue said.

The customers have lots of history with the restaurant, Kuhlman said.

"There's this woman that has come in three times a week for several years," he said. "This last week, she has come in everyday, and everyday she cries because the restaurant is closing."

There also are long-time groups that come in--one on Tuesday and the other on Thursday, he said.

"The Tuesday group has a slice of birthday cake every week," Kuhlman said. "We laugh because there's no way it's someone's birthday every week, but we have an understanding and we let it slide," he said with a smile.

The restaurant has also been serving some of the same customers since it first opened.

"Our staff is like a family and they take care of our guests like family," Kuhlman said.

Then there are the customers who have included the restaurant as part of their family tradition.

"Grandparents that used to come here with their parents brought their kids here. Now they bring in their grandchildren," Garald said.

"Some patrons had favorite booths where they liked to sit because it holds memories for them," Garald said.

Long time patrons Jo and Rudy Santibanes said they will miss the atmosphere.

"Everyone was very nice to you. My husband and I would only order one plate because we can never finish two separate dishes. The staff would divide the food in two and would pack the rest up for us to take," she said. "We liked coming here and enjoying ourselves."

There are others who will miss the restaurant for more personal reasons.

Henry Down Jr. owned Keystone Grocery, which sold groceries to the restaurant for 35 years. He was also good friends with Don Callender, Marie Callender's son and first owner of the restaurant when it opened in 1964.

"The personnel that run the restaurant have been there a long time and they know their customers," he said. "It's this personal touch that sets Callender's apart. There aren't many restaurants like Marie Callender's left," he said.

"Most restaurants are now national chains, like Denny's," Down said. "Marie Callender's is more than a chain, it's a long-time friend of the community."

On Sept. 8, there will be a sale of any fixtures and knick-knacks not sold at its Sept. 2 sale. All items not purchased will be given away Sept. 11. Inquiries or questions about sale items, contact Los Altos Marie Callender's 650.941.6989 and ask for Rich.