BOARDMAN, Ohio - On Saturday, Dec. 31 an iconic piece of the Valley is closing for good. The A&W Restaurant in Boardman is closing after 38 years.

With just two days left, lines stretched all the way through the restaurant. Long-time customers say it's worth the wait.

"We come here all the time. We love it here," said Ellsworth resident Linda Herman who waited in line with her granddaughter Brianna. She used to eat at the restaurant with her husband. "I know it's going to be a sad day when we see it close. When we were dating 40 some years ago we'd come here."

It's been a landmark since 1973, the site of car shows, weddings, and of course the famous food. Everyone has a favorite.  "Their onion rings and their hot dogs," said Brianna. "And I'll really miss it."

There have been so many nostalgic visitors this week that owner Rick Thompson had to double his last orders.

"We're just so thrilled that people are giving us this kind of reception for going out," said Thompson who has worked for the A&W company for 53 years. "We're going out on a high note. It's been really flabbergasting to me. I'm just so tickled the community's been so supportive."

And now all the items inside the building will go to auction next Wednesday.

"This is one of those cases where you only get to do this once in a lifetime," said J. Paul Basinger, owner of Basinger Auction Service, which is conducting the sale. "This is a community icon."

Plus it's a family tradition for many people. Frank DeMain and his sister Shalynn Keller bring their kids to the restaurant.  "Our grandpa brought us here and we bring our kids here," said Shalynn. "We try to keep the family tradition going and we're very sad to see it go."

That's why customers like Frank are already eyeing items for auction.

"The clock in the sign on the side of the building," Frank said, pointing out a classic clock with neon lighting.

The building will be torn down to make way for an Advanced Auto Parts, so every photo, stick of furniture, and decor must go. That also includes the outdoor ordering stations, booths, tables, stools, photos, old license plates, the giant fireplace and even the root beer machine. Interest is growing over the items.

"It's been phenomenal," said Thompson. "I didn't honestly realize what kind of impact we made on the community but it's just absolutely phenomenal."

The auction begins Wednesday, January 11th at 10:00 a.m. You can also bid online.

"You'll be able to bid prior with a left bid and a maximum you're willing to go to or you'll be willing to bid live during the auction," explained Basinger.

Check out the items online before the auction begins by clicking here.