LINCOLNTON, N.C. — More than three dozen people are looking for work in Lincolnton after they were told at the last minute that they were being laid off.
Employees showed up for a mandatory meeting at Ryan's Steakhouse, but it turned out to be their last day at work.
Some workers and managers said they were surprised by the closing.
The chain said the restaurant was under-performing, so management decided to close it and sell the property.
"It took me two years to find this one," said former employee James Martin. "I've been here almost two years. Now I got to find something else."
"I think it's terrible. I think it's awful," said former employee Linda Sloan.
Workers will receive severance pay based on how long they have been with the company.