WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- A popular restaurant in Watertown has closed its doors for good. The Ponderosa Steakhouse just off Arsenal Street shut down Monday night.

The restaurant originally announced its closure in August, because the building's lease was up and wouldn't be renewed. Company officials say about 40 employees worked at that location.

Diners aren't happy to see it go.

"It's a very good restaurant. The food is excellent,” said Watertown resident Jim Monaco. "The help is excellent and we're disappointed, because I don't think there is a place that has this quality food or selections, as far as that's concerned."

The closest Ponderosa to Watertown is in Pulaski.