Durham, N.C. — After 58 years in business, Dillard's Bar-B-Q Seafood will close Friday, according to owner Wilma Dillard.

The restaurant opened in 1953 at its current location on Fayetteville Road, but Dillard said the slow economy has taken its toll over recent months.

A former school teacher, Dillard took over managing the restaurant in 1997 after her father's death. Samuel Dillard operated the restaurant for its first 43 years.

"We just want people to know how much we appreciate them (and) their years and years of support. We could not have made this far without their good will," she said. "They provided us the opportunity serve them and to be a blessing. We made friends. This business has always been about people."

Dillard's is Durham's second-oldest barbecue operation. Bullock's BBQ began operations in 1952.