The best place in Reading to get a chicken leg dinner, pork and sauerkraut, or potpie is about to close its doors.

Big John's has been serving customers for 40 years, and Big John said it's time.

"I am getting out," said John Ulrich.

The man known as Big John said his waistline is like the bottom line.

"I was bigger than I am right now," said Big John. "I shrank a little bit."

He made the decision two weeks ago. He said the lines aren't like they were 15 years ago.

"I'd be serving 6,000 to 9,000 people chicken legs every Tuesday," said Big John.

At 81, he's older and so are his customers.

"My people who used to come, they're all looking at the roots instead of looking at the grass," said Big John.

Those customers who are around will have to find another Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant.

"I'm the only one left in Reading," said Big John.

When he bought the place, the front was all glass, and he had the brick laid with the restaurant's name in it. He said he doesn't know what will happen to the sign or the building, but he does think he has a buyer.

"I don't know what he plans to do with it," said Big John. "That's his business."

Big John's used to be the place everyone went.

"I myself, this is when I could still do it. I made 3,000 dozen fastnachts from January to Fastnacht Day," said Big John.

But he physically can't cook anymore.

"I can no longer do it, so the girls do it. And my girls, and I'm calling them girls because if I call them old ladies, they'd all shoot me," said Big John.

His girls range in age from 65- to 89-years-old. They'll stop cooking and serving for Big John on September 30.

"I'll miss them, but I don't think they'll miss me," he said with a laugh.

Big John isn't sad. He said it's time.

"Bye bye," said Big John.