Josef's Country Inn in Fallston, one of Harford County's oldest fine-dining restaurants, abruptly closed this week after nearly 30 years in business.
According to the Harford County Liquor Control Board, the liquor license for Josef's, which is on Pleasantville Road about a block from Route 152, was turned in on Thursday because the restaurant was closing as of that day.
The restaurant, which was started by Josef Gohring, was issued a liquor license in December 1985, according to Judi Powell, liquor board administrator.
On the restaurant's Facebook page, Josef's posted: "Josef has ended an almost 30 year career! It is closed as of today!"
The page had 60 comments from supporters and well-wishers as of Thursday afternoon.
A sign posted on the front door said: "Josef's is now closed. We thank you for 30 years of wonderful patronage."
"Auf wiedersehen!" the restaurant posted on the right side of its website, with a thumbnail sized photo of Gohring standing next to the closing sign on the door.
Gorhring was doing some work at the restaurant late Friday morning.
"Sometimes it's time to say 'goodbye,'" he said, explaining he had a lot to do and didn't want to talk more at that time.
Josef's served lunch five days a week and dinner seven days a week and had a Sunday brunch and was also catered private gatherings.