Kane's Flushing Diner Permanently Closes After 50 Years: Report

FLUSHING, QUEENS — Kane's Flushing Diner marked its last day in business Wednesday.

The 50-year-old diner closed permanently on May 1 following its sale to Chinese developer Kenny Liu for $15 million, according to the World Journal.

Greek immigrant Ernie Kane bought the diner in 1968 and changed its names to Kane's Flushing Diner, the World Journal reported. When Kane died in 2008, his three children took over the diner.

Co-owner Toni Kane said her brother George, who lives in Nassau County, decided to sell the restaurant after he was diagnosed with cancer. The restaurant had been struggling to stay in business in the face of a higher minimum wage and rising utility costs.

"My sister and I didn’t know until prospective buyers came to visit," she told the World Journal. "We were so heartbroken."

George had managed the diner while his sisters, who now live in Florida, traveled to Queens once a month to help run it, according to the Flushing Post.

The family will hold a liquidation auction later this spring.