The Round Table will soon stop turning.

The West Cherokee Street restaurant, where diners have enjoyedmeals served on a revolving table for more than 30 years, isscheduled to close its doors permanently after lunch Wednesday,said owner Judy Burt. She’s hopeful, though, that a new owner canbe found to give the table anther go-round.

“I would love for someone to keep it open,” Burt said. “It’ssuch a unique dining experience.”

Other restaurants that offer a similar dining experience arestill around in other cities, Burt said.

However, because of new laws passed through the MississippiDepartment of Health, no new restaurant can offer the same type ofdining service. Restaurants already providing the dining experiencewere exempted from the new laws.

Restaurants like The Round Table, therefore, are a dyingbreed.

A local realtor is trying to sell the restaurant.

Burt said if it is sold before Wednesday, it can continue toprovide the same service. However, if it reopens after beingclosed, owners will have to adhere to the new laws.

Regardless, Burt said, she intends to close June 30 for personalreasons. Business continues to be brisk as the restaurant nears itsfinal day.

“I guess everyone is hearing we’re going to be closing and theywant that one last meal here,” Burt said.

The restaurant has a long history in Brookhaven.

Burt’s aunt, Elizabeth Ladner, first opened the doors of herhome as a restaurant in February 1972. She ran it for 16 yearswhile continuing to live in the home before selling it to Burt in1988.

“Its always been a family business,” Burt said, citing sisters,wives, children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews who haveworked at The Round Table throughout the years.

Unfortunately, she said, no one in the family wants to take overthe business now.

“It’s hard to cook when you don’t know how many are coming eachday,” Burt said, citing daily traffic of between 20 to 100 guests,”but I enjoy cooking and I’ve enjoyed doing this.”

The restaurant’s closing won’t stop her from cooking, Burtsaid.

“I’ll have to start cooking at home now,” Burt said with alaugh.

Burt’s only regret about the closing is that she will miss therestaurant’s regular customers, some of whom have been enjoyingmeals there since it first opened.

“I appreciate all the customers we’ve had all these years,” Burtsaid. “I hate to close it down for the regulars.”