East Dallas News
East Dallas neighborhood restaurant takes break after founder dies
UPDATE: Services for Virgil Sanchez, Senior, who died on May 3, will be held on May 8-9, at Calvary Hill cemetery, at 3235 Lombardy Ln.
Visiting hours will take place on May 8 from 5-9 pm in the North Chapel. There'll be a rosary at 7 pm. The funeral is May 9 at 12 pm in the North Chapel.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words, condolences, and prayers," says Virgil's son George. "We are truly blessed. Please let everyone know Goldrush will reopen May 11."
-----------------------
A beloved East Dallas neighborhood restaurant breakfast destination has closed temporarily, following the death of its founder.
The Goldrush Cafe is closing to mark the passing of Virgil Sanchez, Sr., who passed away on May 3.
The restaurant posted a notice on its Facebook page announcing his passing, stating that the restaurant would be closed until further notice.
"Virgil Sanchez Senior passed away today," the post said. "He was the patriarch of the Sanchez family and the Goldrush Cafe. He opened the Goldrush for his children, Virgil, Johnny, George, Markie and Lizzy. All of East Dallas benefited from his gift. The Goldrush will be closed til further notice."
The breakfast scene in East Dallas is likely to experience some uncomfortable quivers, as the Goldrush is a weekly staple for many locals, who love not only the hot coffee and basic egg combos, but also the way it keeps patrons up on what's going on.
"Most mornings, it doesn't matter if you watched the morning news or inked your fingers with the local daily, because the day's top stories can be gleaned from listening to the myriad conversations around the café--especially the dialogue springing from the communal tables," noted the Dallas Observer in a 2010 writeup.
Goldrush recently won a nomination for Best Neighborhood Restaurant in CultureMap's 2018 Tastemaker awards, where the cafe is described as "venerable and vaguely divey," a "Dallas classic and a local institution."
"Open since 1980, it's a small spot with an appealingly unkempt vibe with lumps in the booths and an old-timey feel, but the breakfasts are reliable and the clientele represents a uniquely diverse slice of humanity," the nomination says. "There are things to look at everywhere: a poster touting Elvis Presley's 'Jailhouse Rock,' a Notre Dame schedule from 1973, and a Yoda puppet hanging from the ceiling."
"Signature dishes from owner Virgil Sanchez include chicken-fried steak and the John Wayne Breakfast with potato hash, sunny-side egg, cheddar, and salsa on top of a flour tortilla, served with bacon."
Virgil's son George has been the primary keeper of the flame for many years. He was unavailable for comment, and notice of services is still pending.
