The Fat Albert's team is inviting the community to share food and memories in the restaurant's final days of business.

Fat Albert's, a beloved, family-owned restaurant serving the Greeley community since 1982, will close its doors Aug. 31, according to a Facebook announcement from the Fat Albert's family on Monday. Kitchen manager John Albert, the son of restaurant owner Sue Albert, shared that the decision's "been a long time coming" because the business never fully bounced back from challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement said the closure -- "the most responsible path' -- will allow the Albert family to refocus their energy on other opportunities. The family also urges community members to continue supporting local businesses during these challenging times.

"For 42 years, Fat Albert's has been more than just a place to eat -- it's been a home away from home, a space where friends became family and where memories were made around tables filled with love, laughter and delicious food," the Fat Albert's family shared. "It has been our greatest honor to be part of your lives, from celebrating your special moments to simply sharing a smile over a favorite dish."

In 2022, Fat Albert's was voted by the readers of the Greeley Tribune as being Greeley's Best American Food Restaurant and Best Family Restaurant, and for having the Best Desserts.

As community members come in for award-winning sandwiches and desserts for the last time, the Fat Albert's crew wants to celebrate everything they built over the past four decades and focus on the memories of joy and laughter.

Fat Albert's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at 1717 23rd Ave. in Greeley.

"We hope Fat Albert's has left a lasting impact on you, just as you have on us," the family wrote on Facebook.