DELTA JUNCTION — Ed and Ann Richards have been serving meals to the Delta area community from the Buffalo Center Diner since 2002. Originally a Tastee Freeze, it later was the Delta Diner, Peaches ‘n’ Dreams, and the White Raven. On Jan. 25 at 2 p.m., Ed shut down the grill and turned off the ovens. The last meal was served and the doors locked.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Ed and Ann have no intent to leave Alaska. They are moving to North Pole where they are taking over the restaurant that was Harley’s Diner. The silver-clad 1950s-style diner was open only a short period before its owner was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident.

“We’re keeping the ’50s flavor but calling it Little Richards Diner,” Ed explained. “It will have a jukebox and the whole ’50s look. We’re hoping to open up March 1.”

Centrally located in downtown Delta between the post office and Delta Building Supply, the Buffalo Center Diner, with spacious seating and many windows, was a popular place to eat and chat with neighbors.

“We love this community and have immensely enjoyed working here, but things are beyond our control,” Ed Richards said. “The building is being auctioned off Feb. 11.”

Ed said he has already sold most of his personal items in the building. He admits he doesn’t see it opening back up as a restaurant because of the capital it takes to purchase appliances.

With the locking of the diner’s door, a chapter is closed in Delta. No more will the three flags flutter out front in the Delta breeze. And the morning bustle that comes from the coffee crowd is no more.

“I wish it wouldn’t have to close, but things are beyond our control,” said Adaline Blum, a longtime Delta resident who also waitressed for the Richards. “Things happen, things change, and we just move on.”