Briarstone Manor, a cornerstone of Abilene catering for more than 30 years and the final business of Mack Eplen’s local restaurant dynasty, will close June 15, its management said Tuesday.

The catering hall, located at 101 Eplen Court, has served most of the city’s social networking clubs such as the Kiwanis Club and Lions Club, and business and city functions.

Eplen’s restaurant dynasty began in 1936 when he opened a root beer stand at Grape and North 10th streets. His businesses grew to include several restaurants throughout Abilene.

Known for its rolls and pink cookies, Briarstone Manor was a descendant of the Briarstone Cafeteria, which the Reporter-News called “a downtown gathering place for almost 40 years.”

See Wednesday's Reporter-News for more details.