LAKE GENEVA — Worried that his staff would be overwhelmed with well-wishers hoping for one final meal, Greg Condos closed his family’s namesake restaurant quietly Saturday night.

For generations, Anthony’s Steak House, at the top of Highway 50 just before you get to Lake Geneva, has been a go-to supper club for both locals and vacationers alike.

But the for sale sign that went up a few years ago was a harbinger that the good times would eventually come to an end.

In a social media post shared Monday, Anthony Condos explained his reasoning for the closing that took many by surprise as news filtered through the community.

“While I would have liked to make this announcement in advance, those of you in the restaurant business will understand that staffing shortages make it challenging to provide the service customers expect,” Condos wrote on Facebook.

I would not have been able to serve the large number of customers who would have surely wanted to come in to bid Anthony’s a final farewell. Please accept my apologies along with my appreciation for all of you who have made Anthony’s 45-year-run a possibility.”

Condos went to thank his parents, Anthony and Goldie Condos, who started the restaurant 45 years ago, as well as his son.

He also thanked his son, Anthony, as well as Anthony’s head chef, Miguel Linares, along with countless other valued employees over the years.

“I have felt your love for my dad and am humbled by your loyal patronage of his restaurant,” Condos wrote. “I know that this is a sad day for many, but I hope that you will cherish the friends and memories you made at my dad’s restaurant for a lifetime.”

Condos did not indicate if the property had been sold or what its fate may be.