Harmanco's in Albemarle will be closing in July. (Charles Curcio / Stanly News Journal)

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By Charles Curcio
Stanly News Journal

A long-standing Stanly County institution for food, family and fun will close its doors later this month.

Harmanco’s on Main Street in Albemarle announced Monday that the restaurant will close its doors on July 20.

Owner Jamie Johnson, who purchased the business five years ago from Steve Voula Kambouris, confirmed in a phone interview the building in which the restaurant is located has been sold and her lease has been terminated.

Johnson purchased the business but not the building, which would have cost an extra $500,000, so she leased the space to operate the restaurant. The Kambouris family operated Harmanco’s for 11 years before selling the business to Johnson. The original restaurant opened in 1953.

“All I know is somebody bought the building and told me I had 30 days to get out,” Johnson said. “I cried for two days.”

She said she has not been told what the future of the building will be.

“People are sad,” Johnson said. “I’ve got customers that say they’re not going to ever come back here.”

She shared hearing stories about many married couples who had their first date at Harmanco’s.

“I have people who come here every year on their anniversary, because this is where they met,” Johnson said. “I love my customers. A lot of friendships have been made here. We are a family here; it breaks my heart.”

Johnson said she will sell everything of the restaurant in the building, from the chairs, tables and kitchen appliances to the pictures and signs, including the original Harmanco’s sign.