I didn’t eat at the Mayflower a lot when I was a student at the University of Georgia, but it was nevertheless a constant, reassuring presence in downtown Athens. Entering the restaurant — all chrome and Formica, with a long lunch counter and barstools — was like going through a time warp, back to the 1950s.

After a long absence, I returned to Athens in 2011, and was gratified to see that the Mayflower was still “putting the South in your mouth.” I went in and had breakfast and congratulated the hard-working owners on their perseverance.

I’ve been lucky enough to return to Athens and the Mayflower a few times since, including with family and friends on the morning of my wedding on North Campus. I’m sorry to see it go, and to hear that it will likely be replaced by yet another of the national chains that have opened downtown since I was a student.

If you’re anywhere near Athens, please go have a biscuit for me.