Co-founder of The Angus Barn dies

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Winston Sr.," the restaurant posted on social media Tuesday evening.

Restaurateurs Winston and Thad Eure Jr. bought 50 acres of pastureland on a desolate section of U.S. Highway 70, halfway between Raleigh and Durham, in 1959. They borrowed money from every person they could to fund the project, since they were unable to get funding from any bank. They decided in the beginning that it would be a steak-and-potato-based menu.

The Angus Barn opened its doors on June 28, 1960. In 1978, Eure bought out Winston, who went on to pursue other endeavors.

Eure died in 1988, leaving his wife, Alice, and daughter, Van, as co-owners of The Angus Barn. Van Eure now runs the restaurant with her husband, Steve Thanhauser.

“In my life, I have yet to see another business relationship that was based on true friendship, honesty, respect and integrity," Van Eure said via social media. “[Winston's] influence on providing legendary hospitality remains part of the Angus Barn to this day.”

Flags at The Angus Barn will be lowered to half-staff in honor of Winston.

The restaurant has served an estimated 14 million guests since opening and serves more than 22,000 steaks per month.