It's the end of an era that began in 1963, so the Metro Diner in Preston Center decided to change its menu accordingly.

Fifty-cent hamburgers. Quarter sodas. A 15-cent cup of coffee.

For two days – today and Wednesday – the Metro Diner has rolled back prices 45 years as a way of thanking its loyal customers before the popular greasy spoon closes its doors on Saturday.

Aren't in the mood for a burger? A plate of eggs, bacon, hash browns and biscuits will set you back 95 cents as part of the "End of An Era Price Roll Back."

The owners, the Adams family, say the building is getting a makeover and that the prospect of higher rent prompted the closing.

Besides the Metro Diner at 6144 Luther Lane the family owns five other restaurants, including the Metro Diner at 3309 Gaston Ave., near Baylor University Medical Center.

The same year that the Metro Diner opened in 1963:

Dr. Michael DeBakey pioneers use of the artificial heart.

The Birds flies onto the big screen; My Favorite Martian lands on TV.

Navy quarterback Roger Staubach wins the Heisman Trophy.

Martin Luther King Jr. gives his "I Have a Dream" speech.

Country star Patsy Cline dies in plane crash.

Valium hits the market.

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty takes effect.

The Beatles release a huge hit, "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

President John F. Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas.

Audio cassettes introduced.

<i>SOURCE: Dallas Morning News research</i>