Jons closes its doors

It's tough to call a restaurant that's been around for less than 20 years a landmark. But on a college campus, the rules are different. Most students spend only four or five years in college, with many leaving the city or area after graduating and taking with them the memories. Students who have attended TCU within the past 18 years doubtless have eaten at Jons Grille more than a few times.

Those of us still attending football games and other sporting events on campus have continued to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jons, perhaps best known for the writing on the walls. (The burgers were why I kept returning.) Jon -- and, later, his sister, Janis -- made markers available to patrons of all ages, encouraging them to leave their mark on the restaurant. Sometimes that was simply a name, a short phrase -- even the occasional boast.

On Thursday, the restaurant closed. When the proprietor died five years ago, patrons were shocked. Jon loved his customers a fact he demonstrated by the way he related to all of us.
He took pride in greeting his customers by their first name. Janis ably stepped in to keep the campus favorite going. Although it was inevitable the place would close at some point -- Jon's passion for the restaurant could not be matched, even if it was a family member who tried -- it's a sad development. And the TCU dining scene will never be the same. Sure, the void will be filled, but Jons held a special place in the hearts of those of us who remembered what is was like before Jon died. One visit and conversation with Jon was enough to keep you coming back.

The burgers were pretty good , too.