For four years, Coloradans followed Sarges’ Grill’s motto ordering customers to eat great food and have a great time. Then Peg and David Parker announced the immediate closing of both locations via Facebook last week.

Throughout its run, Sarges’ was dedicated to first responders and military, as the owners the Parkers and Glenn McDowell have a background as Army sergeants.

“Due to many circumstances, Sarges’ is closed as of June 10th, 2018,” the Parkers wrote on Facebook. “We are heartbroken; we will miss you all very much. This fantastic journey wouldn’t have been possible without you!” The owners did not respond to requests for comment.

A followup post from the Parkers on June 15 attributed hardships in generating a profit to an uptick in minimum wage, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Those factors, combined with the deployment of Fort Carson soldiers, led to a rapid dip in sales, the owners wrote.

“Allocation of money that is left over after the state and other governmental agencies are paid will be allocated according to the courts,” the post read.

The first location on U.S. 85/87 in Fountain opened in 2014. The Colorado Springs location is on Palmer Park Boulevard.

Hundreds flooded to express dismay on the Facebook post. Garrett Crow wrote, “Sarge, I’m currently deployed and I come home in 3 weeks. I literally was just telling my wife when I was FaceTiming my kids (while they ate there) that I wanted Sarges Grill to be my first meal!”

The Gazette reviewed Sarges’ the year it opened, noting “the friendly staff, the reasonable prices and the huge portions contributed to our positive dining experience.” The review rated Sarges’ a 3.8 out of 5.

Aaron King added to the comments section, writing that if the owners needed support “the community will help! Many love this place too.”