The Clinton has been under the same family ownership since 1939.“This restaurant has been a focal point for the community, but also a focal point for our family. … We used to cook our Christmas dinner in the kitchen and use the restaurant space to gather,” said Babich, who as a toddler wandered between the tables while his dad Ray oversaw operations. “I have thirteen nieces and nephews and all of them have worked for me at one point in their lives.
“This is the place where I learned my table manners,” Campbell laughed. “I’m very sad to see it go. I mean, this is homemade food you really just can’t get anymore. I don’t think it’s ever changed in all the 45 years I’ve been coming here. It’s always the exact same as I expected it to be when I was five years old.”
Bobby Babich and sister-in-law Karen Babich wandered between the tables of The Clinton as a toddler. Now he’s overseeing the eatery’s final days after 84 years.Kevin Heenan, 59, of College Point, was on a mission when he heard The Clinton was shutting down.