Heart’s Coffee Shop, a longtime Van Nuys diner that has served generations of customers for nearly 50 years, will serve its final meals Sunday before closing its doors for good.
The restaurant, at 16918 Saticoy St. near Balboa Avenue, is scheduled to close at 2 p.m. Sunday following breakfast and lunch service.
The family-owned diner opened in 1979 when Yuk and Sue Wong purchased a coffee shop that had operated under other names for decades. Over the years, Heart’s became a neighborhood landmark, known for its heart-shaped roadside sign, red vinyl booths and traditional American comfort food, including pancakes, waffles and chicken-fried pork chops.
Susan Wong, the founders’ daughter, said the family decided to close the restaurant after rising food costs, inflation, labor shortages and other economic pressures made it increasingly difficult to continue operating.
The property has been sold to a developer, although no future plans for the site have been announced.
Wong said Heart’s became a community gathering place where customers returned for generations, drawn by familiar meals and the personal service provided by her mother, who was known for remembering patrons by name and their favorite orders.