It was known as a cozy gathering place for an intimate dinner. Businesses and organizations gaveled in thousands of meetings in the iconic Quarry Room. And were there any local children who didn’t insist that the family sit at the table by the aquarium?

The 2nd Street Emporium, in business for more than 40 years in downtown Webster City, closed its doors June 30. Owners Scott and Candy Rector decided the time was right to retire.

Once the business closure was announced, diners flocked to the restaurant to have one last lunch or dinner at the establishment.

The Rectors purchased the building and put their own touches on the new restaurant. Bits of Webster City nostalgia decorate the walls, with newspaper clippings and photos documenting important moments in the community and the nation. They opened the doors in February 1980. A few years later, they created the Quarry Room on the lower level, providing a space for parties, banquets and meetings. In 1990, they expanded to add additional seating upstairs.

Since the beginning,the Emporium has served as a popular and convenient downtown lunch venue with an extensive and diverse dinner menu featuring steaks and seafood, their signature cheese soup, and a variety of sandwiches and salads. The friendly, attentive staff made customers immediately feel comfortable and at ease. And Scott and Candy frequently stopped tableside to be sure guests enjoyed their meals.

The Rectors said what they will miss the most are the people — both those with whom they worked daily and those who dined in the restaurant again and again.

We will certainly miss the popular destination, its delicious menu and the friendly service. We wish the Rectors the best as they begin retirement and we thank them for 40-plus years of memories created at The 2nd Street Emporium.