LIVINGSTON — The Livingston Parish location of barbecue restaurant Hi-Ho is closing its doors after more than two years, citing staffing shortages on Tuesday. 

"This is not the ending we ever imagined," the restaurant, located on South Frost Road, said in a Facebook post. 

The restaurant's owners said that they have not been able to "find and keep enough reliable staff to consistently cover shifts."

"This has placed a tremendous strain on our family, and we have reached the difficult decision that closing is what is best for us," officials said. 

Hi-Ho opened in Hammond in the 1930s before expanding to Livingston. 

The Livingston location, which is closing, has shut its doors before. It reopened about two and a half years ago under new owner, Zachary Russell.

"The last year, year and a half, we've only been fully staffed for about two weeks at a time. There have been more tears than I can count between me and my wife. We love this place," said Russell. 

Trevor Vampran, and his family, have been loyal customers of Hi-Ho in Hammond for generations. Vampran was glad when the Livingston location opened since he works nearby. He called the closure a major loss.

"They've got other mainstream fast food places popping up on this main drag. This was something small and local that I always loved to support. So, I hope something comes in its place or they are able to relocate somewhere they are able to staff and be profitable," said Vampran.

The last day the restaurant will be open will be Friday, July 17. The building will go up for sale.

There is another Hi-Ho location in Hammond. Some of the Livingston workers will transfer there.