After 60 years in business, Uncle Bill's in south St. Louis closes Tuesday

Photo by5on your side

The location on Manchester Road in west St. Louis County will remain open.

ST. LOUIS — After a half-century of operation, Uncle Bill's Pancakes in the south St. Louis area shut down on Tuesday.

This 24-hour eatery was situated on South Kingshighway.

It had become a staple in St. Louis for many years, with numerous customers on Tuesday hoping to enjoy their final batch of pancakes.

By midday, the restaurant had to say goodbye for the final time as it was nearly out of some of its most popular dishes.

A cashier informed 5 On Your Side that several individuals have traveled from cities such as Chicago and Jefferson City to secure their final opportunity at Uncle Bill's.

"It's heartbreaking because it's been a cornerstone in our community for as long as I can recall," LaTisha Holloway, a loyal customer of Uncle Bill's, expressed.

Holloway, aged 50, shared that she has frequented this south St. Louis pancake and dinner spot since her teenage years.

She mentioned her readiness to wait in line for a table on October 8, saying, "I'll wait as long as it takes."

Holloway, originally from St. Louis and now residing in the Columbus Square area, mentioned this place as her go-to spot for her usual order of "two-two-and-two," which consists of two eggs, two bacon, and two pancakes.

"This is one of my favorite places to start my day if I have errands to run because it's peaceful and welcoming," Holloway shared. "Even as a teenager and into my adult life, I've come here on dates. It's always been a family-friendly environment, a secure place with delicious food that's reasonably priced."

Multiple individuals 5 On Your Side interviewed at Uncle Bill's had their own unique reasons for choosing this restaurant.

This includes Uncle Bill's manager Kimberly Watson, who began her journey here as a busser 39 years ago, progressing to become a cashier, a server, and ultimately a manager.

She revealed that at 15, she didn't foresee herself becoming a mother of three and dedicating the majority of her life to making customers happy with their meals.

"I got a place to call home," Watson shared. "It's meant a lot to me."

Watson expressed her desire for the restaurant to always be bustling.

"A lot of folks have come here after wild nights at the bars and clubs we used to host, crazy days, great Sundays, church, and people come on Sundays," Watson said. "It's been wonderful."

However, Watson noted that the owner has decided to retire.

"It's painful to watch talented individuals lose their jobs and see a place like this disappear," Holloway commented. "I wish there was a way to save it."

She said though they are closing for now, the owner is selling, opening the possibility that maybe it could be a pancake house again in the future.

The Uncle Bill's location in west St. Louis County on Manchester Road will stay open.