The Ryan’s buffet in St. Joseph closed its doors Thursday.

A sign on the restaurant located at 4302 N. Belt Hwy. reads “To our valued guests, this location is now closed.”

It goes on to tell team members to return between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday to pick up their final paycheck.

In a statement released by Ovation Brands it said 74 under performing Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet, Ryan’s, Fire Mountain and Country Buffet Restaurants were closed permanently throughout the United States Thursday.

“Based on ongoing assessments of individual restaurants, it is necessary to shutter locations for the continued viability of the brands and our employees,” said Peter Donbavand, Vice President of Business Development.  “While we cannot predict future market conditions, the plan is to continue operating the remaining Ovation Brands’ restaurants as they are financially viable.”

The company said employees will be given the opportunity to apply for positions at operating stores.

Scott Lassen is the Owner of Golden Corral in St. Joseph and said he’s urging all Ryan’s employees to apply at Golden Corral.

“It’s news to us too. So we’re planning to pick up some of the employees from there.  It’s a real hard time for them.  It’s unfortunate but we’re going to get some of those guys and staff up our place because we’re probably going to be hit a little harder,” Lassen said.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday afternoon Lassen said he had already spoke with several former employees and anticipates talking with more.  He said he’s not sure how many employees worked at the location but anticipated it was around 30 to 40.