The 112-year-old City Cafe was closed because of "nonpayment of Tennessee State taxes by virtue of a levy issued by the Department of Revenue, Tax Enforcement Division.”

Tennessee' Department of Revenue forced the doors shut Wednesday at Murfreesboro's oldest restaurant.

Lunch-goers were greeted by locked doors and a sign saying the 112-year-old City Cafe was closed because of "nonpayment of Tennessee State taxes by virtue of a levy issued by the Department of Revenue, Tax Enforcement Division.”

The City Cafe opened Feb. 10, 1900, on the southside of the Square, where Bink’s currently stands.

Dorsey Cantrell was the creator of the restaurant. “Uncle Dosey” operated the cafe for more than 50 years. The Watson family acquired City Cafe after his death, operating it for decades until the Cooper family took over. The Simpsons purchased the restaurant from the Coopers.

In 2007, Garry and Pat Simpson sold the venerable cafe to family friend Scott Perkins and his fiancée, Scarlett Jones.

For in-depth coverage, pick up a copy of the Sunday, May 27, 2012, print edition of The Murfreesboro Post.