Central Pennsylvania diners said goodbye to more than a dozen restaurants in 2024.

Some longstanding favorites, including Cafe Magnolia in Lower Allen Township and Neato Burrito in Swatara Township, were hit hard.

Of course, plenty of new establishments arrived on the scene, adding to the ever-evolving restaurant landscape.

After four decades, the Friendly’s restaurant at 3125 Market St. in Camp Hill closed in September.

“Attention Friends, We are sad to say that this location will be closing its doors this Sunday for the final time,” read a message posted on the restaurant’s door. “It was a blast while it lasted and we will miss you all very much.”

The restaurant, built in the late 1980s, was one of a handful that operated in the region. In recent years, several of the restaurants, including those in Lower Paxton Township and Derry Township, closed.

By next year, a Turning Point Restaurant franchise will open at the location. The chain serves breakfast, brunch and lunch and operates under the motto, “where friends and family gather.”

Fyre Lounge & Bar at the Colonial Park Mall in Lower Paxton Township shut down on Nov 2.

The venue opened in fall 2023 at the former Buffalo Wild Wings . Its menu fused Nepali, Indian and American flavors, and the venue had a chill vibe, with a big screen television, bar and dance floor.

A half dozen partners were behind the concept, including brothers Rick and Kamal Collotia, former owners of Lucky 7 Tavern in Harrisburg. The brothers brought in four partners, all refugees from Nepal, who influenced Fyre Lounge’s menu.

Rick Collotia said they closed to focus on their other businesses and are looking for a new owner to take over the restaurant’s lease and liquor license.

Little John’s Diner at 146 Sheraton Drive in Fairview Township off Interstate 83 in York County closed in November.

According to a Facebook message, the restaurant’s lease ended in late December and the landlord found a new tenant. (The new tenant, Steve and Nicole Tawadrouse, opened Beacon Hill Diner in November.)

“After 15 years proudly serving the central Pennsylvania community we will be sadly closing our doors on November 6th,” Little John’s owners shared in the message. “Our family would like to thank everyone for their love and support for helping make our dream a reality these past 15 years. We will miss everyone!”

Redd’s Smokehouse BBQ scaled back operations in November and closed its Hampden Township restaurant at 4890 Carlisle Pike.

Co-owner Nick Mauldin said he’s expanding catering operations and focusing on the Redd’s restaurant in Carlisle. He said his partner, Brent Burger, left the business and it was a daunting task juggling two locations.

Mauldin’s wife, Mckenna Mauldin, stepped up as co-owner. The couple posted the news Nov. 6 on Facebook, saying, “Redd’s has made a bittersweet decision.”

“We are doing so with the mindset of how to continue providing the best possible service to our customers,” they added.

Cowboy Crunch burritos became a thing of the past at Neato Burrito in Swatara Township.

The restaurant at 3370 Paxton St. at the Scottsdale Plaza closed at the end of July “due to the state seizing the property for their highway expansion project.”

“We opened the shop in March 2006 and appreciate all the support from the community over the past 18 years,” stated a message posted inside the restaurant.

Neato Burrito is one of dozens of businesses and residential properties the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is acquiring through eminent domain as part of the $1 billion I-83 Capital Beltway Project.

Yak n Yeti at 49 W. High St. in Carlisle, which introduced central Pennsylvania to flavorful Himalayan cuisine, is closing on Dec. 29.

Calling it a difficult decision, owner Tenzin Norbu shared, “It has been a bittersweet decision and it’s one we didn’t make lightly.”

The restaurant was a spinoff of Norbu’s first Yak n Yeti in New Cumberland. It quickly became a favorite spot among Harrisburg-area diners for its cuisine representing Nepal and Bhutan.

In a message posted on Facebook , owner Jason Melhorn announced the closing of the restaurant and pub at 398 N. York St. in Mechanicsburg on Nov. 8.

“It’s been an honor serving the community for the past 5 years. It is with great sadness to announce - Friday, November 8th will be our last day of operation,” he shared.

Melhorn also operates Hops & Barleys restaurants in Middletown and Lower Paxton Township and The Beerded Goat Brewing Co. and Benaiah’s Wood Fired Kitchen in Lower Paxton Township.

A New Cumberland ice cream parlor with a 1950s theme closed in August.

Hanna’s Ice Cream Shoppe at 321 Bridge St. announced on Facebook the business is being sold.

“To our valued Hanna’s patrons: We wanted to give you an update on what has been going on with Hanna’s over the last several weeks,” read the message.

Chef Tony’s Bistro at 5948 Linglestown Road in Lower Paxton Township closed on Sept. 20, according to a Facebook post.

“This decision has been bittersweet and we will deeply miss our Linglestown location. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts to each one of you who supported us during this chapter of our journey,” reads the message.

Executive chef Tony Glass opened the restaurant in a former church in October 2023.

The restaurant at 4700 Old Gettysburg Road in Lower Allen Township abruptly closed in February.

The BYOB cafe was known for its quaint atmosphere and menu featuring sandwiches, salads and dinner entrees. It was a popular spot for events such as wedding showers and birthday parties.

“This decision comes with great sadness as we cherish the moments shared with our loyal patrons and the community,” said owner Jackie Duval.

Duval, who took over ownership in 2019, cited lingering effects from the pandemic and economic shifts as the reason behind the closure.

By fall, new owners opened Bacco Trattoria & Wine Bar at the site.

An Italian restaurant in Cumberland County with a loyal following closed in the spring.

Regulars raved about the charming atmosphere in a former home, the service and the Italian food.

Owners Mario and Maria Lubrano left Dolce Vita Italian Restaurant at 1509 Market St. in Camp Hill, said Nino Basic, the property owner. Basic, who operates Carpe Diem restaurant in New Cumberland , said he’s not sure why the Lubranos decided to depart the business.

A family-style comfort food restaurant in Cumberland County closed in February.

Hickory Ridge Restaurant at 1400 Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex Township announced on a Facebook post that the property has been sold.

“We would like to offer our sincerest thanks and deepest gratitude to all the friends we have made over the last 5 years!” the post said. “In addition to all our wonderful customers we’d like to thank the amazing team that made it all possible!”

The facility moved its catering operations to Hickory Ridge’s Chambersburg location, which remains open.

Honey Bee’s Cafe and Bake Shoppe at 620 N. Second St. closed in March.

“As heartbreaking as it is for us, we simply have no other options. We are beyond thankful for all the friends we’ve made and your support of our small business,” shared the owners.

Honey Bee’s opened in February 2023. Owner Melissa Laughlin transitioned to restaurant ownership after her family closed The Kitchen Table catering business in Lower Paxton Township in late 2022.

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House in Swatara Township off Route 322 closed in February.

Wawa is under contract to buy the building at 9009 Bridge Road. Last year, the convenience store chain submitted plans to Swatara Township for consideration to build a store with gas pumps at the location.

“We would like to thank the wonderful community for supporting us for so long, it was truly our pleasure to serve you,” said Billie Jo Walls, Hoss’s president.

Hoss’s opened in 1992 and at least once experienced devastating damage related to flooding.

The Japanese fast-casual restaurant in Swatara Township closed in January.

The closing of the restaurant, which specialized in build-your-own sushi burritos and bowls, and teppanyaki was related to the redevelopment of the Harrisburg Mall. Owners St. John Properties are redeveloping the 60-acre property into Swatara Exchange, a mixed-use development.