56th Fighter Group Restaurant to Shut Down

The is closing its doors for good on Aug. 12.

The restaurant, on the grounds of Republic Airport in East Farmingdale, has operated for 28 years. A restaurant employee told Patch on Thursday that the restaurant hadn't been able to reach an agreement on renewing its lease. The restaurant's general manager wasn't available to provide furthe details.

OpenTable.com said of the restaurant, "A visit to the 56th Fighter Group will transport you back to an era of Big Band music and unparalleled patriotism. This charming 1917 French Style Allied Headquarters Farmhouse sits on the site where the P47 fighter aircraft was built during WWII."

Reviews of the restaurant are mostly positive, praising both the American cuisine and its aircraft themes.

The restaurant is part of the Specialty Restaurants Corp., which operates numerous themed restaurants in six states. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.