The North Pole restaurant, a mainstay in Goochland County for decades, has closed — for now.

The restaurant, which opened in 1924, has shut down as the family of owner Dick Rossi decides its future. Rossi, who bought the restaurant in 1979, was killed in an automobile crash in May.

A sign posted yesterday on the door of the steak and seafood eatery on state Route 6 said the North Pole will be closed until the family “announces its plans to fill his very big shoes.”

It’s not clear when the restaurant closed.

The note said the family thanked customers for 80 years of support.

The North Pole has been placed for sale with Henrico County realty company Neumann & Dunn Real Estate and Development LLC.

The listing describes the North Pole as “a household name with a strong, loyal customer base” built over years of continuous ownership.

The restaurant sale price is listed at $599,000, according to the listing with Neumann & Dunn.

Rossi first put The North Pole up for sale in 2007. At the time, published reports said he was asking $975,000.

When it opened in the 1924, the restaurant was called The North Pole Confectionary. It served lunch and ice cream curbside.

In the mid-1930s, Harvey Layne, an employee of The North Pole, bought the business and added inside seating. Layne owned the restaurant until he retired and sold to Rossi in 1979.

Rossi said last year the key to success was his dedication. “In our particular case, I’m always here when we’re open,” Rossi said.

Louis Llovio is a staff writer with The Richmond Times-Dispatch