FARGO-A steakhouse has gone out of business after more than 20 years in town, and several letters left at the restaurant suggest it struggled financially before closing.

Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon, 4328 13th Ave. S., closed Nov. 6, according to a sign at the restaurant that opened in July 1993.

"We thank you for your patronage and it has been our pleasure to serve the Fargo community," the sign said.

The Forum left several messages seeking comment from Day Star Restaurant Group, a parent company based in Plano, Texas, that has owned Lone Star since 2014.

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But a note left by Day Star dated Oct. 21 offers more details on what happened leading up to Nov. 6. The letter, which is addressed to building owner James Adams of San Diego, said Day Star would vacate the Fargo property by Nov. 15 and surrender possession back to Adams.

"We can offer you two month's rent as a lease termination settlement amount but we do not have the financial resources to provide any other settlements beyond that," the letter said.

The letter was signed by Timothy Dungan, Day Star's president.

A third note, this one dated Nov. 16, responded to Day Star's letter by saying the landlord took possession of the building, changed the locks and switched over the utilities. Any attempt by Lone Star to enter the building after Nov. 15 would be considered trespassing, according to the note.

It lists Bismarck-based Duemelands Commercial Real Estate as the landlord's leasing agents to contact if interested in renting the building. A message seeking more details from agent Jill Duemeland wasn't responded to by Friday, Jan. 6, afternoon.