Violet Jewell has been waitressing at Johnson's Charcoal Beef House since it opened in 1963. She jokes with longtime customers from left, Frank Buttery (a judge) who has been coming since '63, Carol Griffith, Cherie Eddy and Leona Dobson (back to camera).

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

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Violet Jewell chats with Jean Barnhouse who has been coming to the restaurant for about 40 years as other longtime customers share the other booths.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

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Shelby Johnston enjoys chatting with customers. She's worked at the restaurant for over thirty years.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

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Without his parents' help and with the economy the way it is, Buddy Sadak, owner of Johnson's Charcoal Beef House decided it was best to sell the restaurant that has been in Leesburg since 1963.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

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Violet Jewell has been waitressing at Johnson's Charcoal Beef House since it opened in 1963. She jokes with longtime customers Carol Griffith, left, and Cherie Eddy.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: restaurant

Julie Olsen, 43, brings equestrian student Alexandra Davies, 9, of McLean to Johnson's Charcoal Beef House every Wednesday and takes her dad to the restaurant every Monday. She grew up coming to the restaurant in Leesburg. She even raised a steer through 4H that was bought and served there when she was growing up. Harvey Hodges, 67, of Leesburg, right, has been coming here for about 10 years.

Photo: Katherine Frey, Washington Post

Tagged: restaurant