Rooster’s in Margate {Google Maps}
By Kevin Deutsch
Rooster’s restaurant in Margate is closing after 43 years in business.
The cherished neighborhood eatery has served up its famous wings, tasty fries, delectable pork tenderloin sandwiches, and dozens of other favorites to multiple generations of Broward County residents. Rooster’s will shut its doors early next year, according to a message to customers on the Rooster’s Facebook page.
“After 43 years in the barnyard, Rooster’s is getting ready to fly the coop!” the post reads. “Dine-in will close at the beginning of 2024, and take-out will follow soon after. We would like to thank all of our longtime customers for their loyal support over the years and hope you all will come in and say goodbye.”
The post drew plenty of love from patrons, who left nearly 600 comments and had shared the post more than 400 times as of Wednesday night. Longtime patrons recalled sharing unforgettable meals with loved ones who have since passed away. Others recalled marking major life events at the restaurant, celebrating some of their most memorable times.
Longtime customers said the restaurant at 7370 West Atlantic Boulevard operated in North Lauderdale before opening in Margate.
“I’ve been going to Roosters since I was a kid in the 80s,” patron Jennifer Gonzalez-Hochman wrote on Facebook. “I even got engaged at a dinner with friends…It’s a must-have every time I’m in town visiting. I’m sad to see it go.”
Mindy Hartley said Rooster’s was the first place her family ate when they moved to Florida.
“Had the longest curly fry ever!” Hartley wrote. “As high schoolers, we would meet in the parking lot at midnight and start a game of ‘midnight madness’ that would last into the wee hours of the night. No other restaurant can make chicken thumbs the way Rooster’s does…Thank you for all the great memories.”
Janeen Hartranft wrote that she’s been eating at Rooster’s since she was five.
“So many memories and good times!” wrote Hartranft. “They even used to sell lottery tickets when I was a kid! Who didn’t like to eat and scratch lottery tickets! Great times. My daughter and her son have been going since birth…Really going to miss this place!”
Many customers vowed to visit one last time to say their goodbyes to staff, and chow down on beloved dishes before they’re gone.
“Flight booked, see y’all soon,” patron Mike Giudice wrote.
The restaurant did not return a message seeking comment.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
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