After more than 16 years of serving the community, Lake Dallas Café owner Jenny Tyree will open and close the familiar old door of her restaurant in historic downtown for the last time Sunday, Dec. 23.

The Lake Dallas Independent School District trustees voted Monday to authorize Superintendent Gayle Stinson to negotiate the purchase of the property located at 321 Main Street and 321 Market Street for a total cost of $32,206.

The school district will use the property in the development of a new Lake Dallas Elementary School.

"It's going to be a very emotional time for those of us who love Jenny and love going to her place," said longtime Lake Dallas resident Carolyn Green. "For many of the customers, it's just like home," Green said.

Green said she moved to Lake Dallas 38 years ago, and at that time the building was the post office. "There's just so much history there. I really wish we would have declared the building an historical marker, but it's too late now," Green said. "It's hard to let go of that place, but I know it will be great for the kids to have a new school," Green said.

"It's meant a lot to people over the years," said Lake Dallas citizen Bruce Martin. "And it is sad to see it closing," Martin said.

Lake Dallas Businessman Don Glockel said Tyree is just like a family member to many of her customers. "Jenny keeps pretty close tabs on everyone, and if she doesn't see you for a few days, she will go looking for you," Glockel joked.

"Seriously, she is so loving and cares so much about her customers, that it really shows. She just has a way of making everyone feel so comfortable and so at home," Glockel said. "I guess you could say Lake Dallas Café is kind of an icon, and it always will be," Glockel added